Hearts face Celtic tomorrow lunchtime still feeling a sense of grievance following the midweek events that reduced their chances of landing the Scottish Premiership title.
The Edinburgh club top the table by a point from Celtic, but it could have been so different had it not been for the dramatic award of a last-gasp penalty that enabled the Hoops to secure a vital 3-2 win at Motherwell on Wednesday night.
Hearts had already seen off Falkirk and fans at Tynecastle were eagerly awaiting news of the full-time whistle at Fir Park. However, video assistant referee (VAR) Andrew Dallas called referee John Beaton to the pitchside monitor after Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson challenged Kelechi Iheanacho for a high ball inside the area.
The ball appeared to hit Nicholson on the head but Beaton awarded a spot-kick that was duly converted by an ice-cool Iheanacho.
Had the penalty not been awarded, Hearts would have headed to Glasgow three points clear and having to avoid a three-goal defeat to become the first team outside the Old Firm to win the Scottish title since 1985 when Aberdeen clinched it under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Now they have to avoid defeat of any kind.
McInnes labelled the penalty award a “disgrace” in midweek and his stance had not really changed this morning.
He told Sky Sports News: “[Over] the last couple of games we’ll feel a real grievance. I think questions do need to be asked, but I don’t think today is the day for it. I think we accept it through the course of this season.
“We can all be fortuitous. We’ve been fortuitous this season. We can all suffer as managers and teams when you feel a bit of grievance, but I do feel that questions need to be asked.”
The controversy has overshadowed what has been a fantastic Premiership season which, McInnes feels, is a shame. He added: “I think it’s disappointing that there’s been such a spotlight on the game. I think that for us to have so much talk and chat about refereeing decisions is a bit unfair, to be honest, because this season has been so good, so many positives.
“Whether it’s Motherwell, Falkirk, ourselves, Celtic, particularly under Martin [O’Neill], there’s been a lot of positivity for the Scottish game.
“I think for us now, it’s just about trying to finish off what has been a brilliant season and let’s hope it’s down to performance rather than anything else.”
On the challenge that awaits his team as they try to land their first league title in 66 years, McInnes said: “We need to go there and perform well, first and foremost.
“I think any time you go to Celtic Park with your team; you’ve got to do so many things right. There’s a consistency, a messaging of what you need to try and do there. And obviously tomorrow, with everything that entails, that just gets amplified, really, because it’s a perfect ending to a season for the league, Scottish football, for drama and excitement. It’s pure box office.”
Celtic have been playing catch-up for most of the season and captain Callum McGregor is pleased they have given themselves the chance of a 14th title in 15 years.
He told the club’s official website: “Our aim was to take it to the last day. It’s in our hands and that’s all we can ask for.
“From where we were in late December, to be back involved, and we’ve been under pressure now for two or three months in having to win every game, the players have responded so well, and now we have the chance to have our day on Saturday.
“I’m sure the stadium will be white hot in terms of atmosphere, and we have to go and take the game to them and, ultimately, see if we can win the game.”
Team News for Celtic v Hearts
Celtic reported a clean bill of health following the midweek win and O’Neill is likely to name the same XI that started at Fir Park.
Likewise Hearts, with McInnes saying: “Nobody added and nobody out from Wednesday night.”
Predicted line-ups for Celtic v Hearts
Celtic: Sinisalo; Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Engels, Nygren, Yang, Tounetki; Maeda
Hearts: Schwolow; Steinwender, Kent, Findlay, Milne; Kyziridis, Baningime, Devlin, Spittal; Braga, Shankland
Where to watch Celtic v Hearts
Celtic versus Hearts kicks-off at 12.30pm tomorrow UK time. You can watch it on Sky Sports and stream via the Sky Go app.
Stats for Celtic v Hearts
- If Celtic win, it would be their 56th Scottish league title, overtaking Rangers who stand on 55
- Hearts could become the first side in Scottish football history to win six games against the two Old Firm clubs in a single league season
- Celtic are winless in their three league meetings with Hearts this season
Prediction for Celtic v Hearts
It will be a nervy occasion and Celtic have the greater experience of getting over the line.
As much as the neutral would love for Hearts to win it, we’re going for Celtic to edge a close-fought encounter.
Prediction: Celtic 2-1 Hearts
