Hearts moved to the top of the Scottish Premiership with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Falkirk, but the night's biggest drama unfolded at Fir Park, where Celtic snatched a controversial 3-2 win over Motherwell with a penalty deep into stoppage time awarded after a VAR review. The results mean the title will be decided on the final day, with Hearts holding a one-point lead over Celtic ahead of their clash at Celtic Park on Saturday.
Hearts 3-0 Falkirk
Hearts dominated from the outset, taking the lead in the 30th minute through Frankie Kent. Cameron Devlin doubled the advantage in the 34th minute, and Blair Spittal sealed the win with a superb strike in the 86th minute. The victory moved Hearts to 80 points, one clear of Celtic at the top of the table.
Motherwell 2-3 Celtic
Motherwell took a surprise lead through Tony Watt in the 17th minute, but Celtic equalized just before halftime through Daizen Maeda. The visitors went ahead in the 58th minute through a stunning left-footed strike from Gustaf Nygren. However, Motherwell fought back and equalized through Liam Gordon in the 83rd minute, setting up a tense finish. Deep into stoppage time, a VAR review awarded Celtic a penalty for handball, which Kelechi Iheanacho converted to snatch a dramatic victory.
Controversy over the Penalty
The penalty decision sparked fierce debate. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill insisted it was clear-cut, saying: 'It looked pretty clear-cut. We got a penalty, which looks as if it's pretty clear-cut.' However, Hearts manager Derek McInnes was scathing: 'I've seen it again and I think it's disgusting. I don't think it's a penalty kick.' Replays suggested the ball may have hit the defender's head rather than his hand, but the decision stood, leaving Motherwell furious.
Title Race Goes to the Wire
Hearts now need only a point at Celtic Park on Saturday to secure their first league title since 1960. Celtic must win to claim the championship. The drama sets up a mouthwatering finale to the season, with both teams knowing that anything less than a win for Celtic will hand the title to Hearts.
Other Results
In other matches, Rangers suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to Hibernian, with Dane Scarlett scoring the winner in the 89th minute. The result leaves Rangers in third place, 11 points behind leaders Hearts.
