The Japan Times - Hearts must run Celtic gauntlet to claim historic Scottish title

A dramatic season is set for a thrilling finale after a controversial 99th-minute penalty handed Celtic victory at Motherwell on Wednesday.

The defending champions are just one point behind Hearts and know that victory will deliver a 14th title in 15 seasons.

No side other than Celtic and Rangers have been crowned champions for 41 years.

Hearts have led the almost all season long, taking advantage of turmoil on both sides of the Old Firm divide in Glasgow.

Aided by the arrival of Brighton owner Tony Bloom and his heralded data analytics program, the Jambos have overcome a huge financial disparity to challenge Celtic's domestic dominance.

And the latest twist in the title race has added extra spice to a one-game shootout for the title.

Without a late winner, Celtic would have needed to win by three goals on Saturday due to Hearts' superior goal difference.

"It's actually quite disgusting, to be honest," said Hearts boss Derek McInnes after Kelechi Iheanacho's spot-kick earned Celtic a 3-2 win at Motherwell.

"It feels like us against everybody."

Replays proved inconclusive as to whether Motherwell's Sam Nicholson's raised arm had made contact with the ball in the box.

Former England striker Gary Lineker labelled the call possibly the "worst VAR decision I've seen".

Fan-owned Hearts said in a statement on Thursday they are "extremely concerned" by decisions in recent matches and have sought explanations from the football authorities.

The possibility of being usurped by Celtic down the final straight is an all too familiar tale for Hearts fans who remember a similar story when they last came close to winning the league in 1985/86.

Only needing to avoid defeat, Hearts conceded twice in the final seven minutes to lose 2-0 to Dundee and allow Celtic to snatch the title on goal difference.

- O'Neill steadies Celtic -

The Hoops have been in disarray on and off the field for much of the campaign.

A failure to invest in the squad last summer caused uproar among the Celtic fanbase and paved the way for Brendan Rodgers's acrimonious departure as manager in October.

Wilfried Nancy then lasted just 33 days in charge after losing six of his eight games.

Twice Martin O'Neill, 74, has returned to Celtic Park to steady the ship in interim spells.

Despite still demanding boardroom change, fan protests have been toned down for the run-in and a six-month ban on an ultras group attending matches lifted by the club.

Celtic's eight league defeats are the most they have suffered since 1999/2000, the season before O'Neill arrived at the club for the first time.

But they have hit form just in time to potentially retain the title with seven consecutive victories.

"It's nice to take it into the final game which looked a long way off five or six weeks ago," said O'Neill.

"I think we have got a chance, we're at home. The atmosphere will be fantastic."

Hearts have won two and drawn one of the three previous meetings between the sides this season, but only the draw came against O'Neill's Celtic.

"You're going into 60,000, the place will be rocking. For us, that type of game, that type of stage, we deserve that and we'll look forward to it," added McInnes.

"We're not going to shy away from it. We've got a good record against Celtic."

K.Nakajima--JT