That Celtic have narrowed the gap on Hearts almost beggars belief when you examine Hearts record. Since the turn of the year, they have won 12 of 18 league games, drawn three (Celtic H, Motherwell A, Livingston A) and lost three (St Mirren A, Newco A, Kilmarnock A). My expectation that they would drift away and the race for the title would be between Celtic and Newco did not materialise.
They lost their best defender Craig Halkett and playmaker Marc Leonard to injury on Saturday at Motherwell. That was compensated by the return to Wednesday’s starting lineup of Cammy Devlin. Devlin was considered their MVP before injury. He played 67 minutes on Wednesday night and got a 3 minute cameo at Motherwell. They are his only appearances in five weeks, and he only managed three games between then and picking up an injury in the middle of January. He is not fit and has had insufficient recovery time since Wednesday to be even close.
That assertion leads to an interesting aspect of tomorrow’s game. Hearts have not had a midweek game since 3 February. This is a one-game-a-week club who are top of the table because Celtic and Newco played two games a week for months. Hearts even went out of the Scottish Cup on their first game (Falkirk). They got through the preseason League Cup section for clubs who did not qualify for Europe, but then went out on the first round proper to St Mirren. They have a squad who are not fit for two games a week and have had insufficient recovery time since Wednesday to restore energy levels.
We would not even have an end of season decider were it not for a disputed red card shown to Auston Trusty the last time Celtic and Hearts met. If Derek McInnes has anything to do with it, a repeat scenario tomorrow will give his side the best chance of coming out on top. They need to nobble Celtic: when in the box: they will fall; they will clutch their face for any challenge in the air; when a Celtic player slides in, they will roll holding an ankle. This game will require a strong referee.
Celtic’s best chance of success is to drive the pace of the game. They are more used to playing two games a week than anyone else in Scotland and need to make this fitness status a key aspect of the game by forcing play from early on. Chase everything in midfield, switch play from wing to wing, be content to go back and start again – but quickly.
The fitness of Alastair Johnston and Kieran Tierney is a concern. Celtic suffered when both were hooked against Motherwell on 70 and 78 minutes respectively. Both are ahead of Cammy Devlin in the fitness stakes, but present a conundrum for the manager. Leave them on and you risk weakening the team as they fade, replace them and the team loses the bite they bring.
Martin delayed his substitutions at Motherwell when Celtic took the lead with Reo Hatate and Kelechi stripped and ready. It felt like this upside scenario surprised the manager and left him unsure. Whatever he decides on substitutions tomorrow, maintaining energy until the final whistle will remain his top priority, he will not want to live through a repeat of the Motherwell pressure in the last 15 minutes of Wednesday’s game.
There is a confidence among the Celtic support which is based on recent performances and the irresistible force displayed by the manager and team. My feeling is that we overestimate our chances. Hearts are undefeated against Celtic in three games this season and have already won at Celtic Park. In the last five weeks, they have beaten Motherwell, Hibs, Newco and Falkirk, four of the other five top-six sides. They have earned the right to compete for the title tomorrow. They buckled at Ibrox in February, but despite being outplayed, twice took the lead. Can we rob them of composure tomorrow in a similar manner? I expect so, but they have scored in 18 of 19 games this calendar year, it will take a few goals before you will feel comfortable.
You and I have a job to do. If a Celtic player makes a mistake, goes back when you would prefer he went forward, or things just don’t seem to be coming off for him, support him. Flow encouragement towards the worst Celtic player on the field. Encouragement helps, moans do not. Derek McInnes is a nobody. Focus directed against him takes the pressure off his players, it gives them someone to fight for. Antagonism should be aimed squarely at the Hearts player on the ball, this works. More so if that player makes a mistake. Create as much noise as possible and be prepared to continue if Celtic go behind, or still need a goal late in the game. It is not important who is winning early on, only who is ahead in the 99th minute!
Head-to-head final games to decide the title between the top two clubs is rare. We have to look back to “the 4-2 game” in 1979 and before that, to Jimmy Johnstone’s double in the 2-2 draw at Ibrox in 1967. You will know if you have met a Celtic fan who was at either game, as they always tell you. These occasions are precious and inspire a lifetime of joyful memories. If you are going tomorrow, you are already lucky that you have a chance to attend such a game. It is in your hands. Play your part.
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An American I worked with was in contact earlier, football fan in Chicago, asking about Scotland games.
He isnt a Celtic fan, gave it a passing eye raise as I would go on about it,
shared the video, and asked what should the decision be.
he said, surely a pen, handball above the head, or the elbow, surely it was given, he thought i was going to say it wasnt awarded.
but, he hadnt seen it in sports tv or on any podcast.
whats all this shit about the world of sport is laughing at us.
AJ Presser
https://youtu.be/ZQ5vEVgcMA8?si=aAVQ0lLIY3Nh9PUt
HH
https://x.com/ScotlandSky/status/2055279023152889890/video/1?s=48
MON Brilliant
Celtic statement is Corporate CYA.
The biggest takeaway from it, IMHO ?
——-
“Glasgow City Council has committed to working together with football clubs on facilitating potential celebrations which would be meaningful to fans and less impactful on communities.
Until these options can be delivered ….”
———
If we win (very big IF) … I expect the Gallowgate and the east end of Argyle Street to be largely the same as previous years – but with fewer incidents.
The Celtic fans will see to that.
BTW ..
When Brendan was charged by the SFA ..
He spoke on Sunday afternoon and his formal charge was publicly announced by the SFA Wednesday morning.
No guarantee McInnes will be charged of course .. but, if he is, I suspect the SFA will wait until next week
“Glasgow City Council has committed to working together with football clubs on facilitating potential celebrations which would be meaningful to fans and less impactful on communities.
Until these options can be delivered ….”
——————
given it is an almost annual event, only interuppted by a global pandemic, why would it be so hard to say for example – glasgow green for the after party ?
what is so difficult ?
the oranginas are there on the 4th july, and that is an annual event, allthough greatly diminished over the years.
the Bada Bing on 15th May 2026 1:40 pm
The huns want £1 million for the damage at the midden for the cup tie,the agreement in place is 50k they are withholding our share of the gate money.
Dear dear the delaware ire at 3rd place.
They must be looking for income.streams,either that or ‘bigGeordie’ fae larkha’ is on at it wi the repair quote.:-))
£1m would be lovely to see the post match safety snd repair survey,
Celtic did 1 after all games
They are in trouble,fooqm:-)
Onto victory tomorrow BB
To be worked for.
HH
https://x.com/scottishfa/status/2055302936142680337?s=46&t=MYy3moAzhlnn6WK4UWChnQ
Hefty ban for McInnes incoming
Never been to a last day ‘title decider’ so really looking forward to tomorrow.
🍀🍀
FWIW
I fear tomorrow is all about the last half hour
Various scenarios can play out all of them gut wrenching
If we are winning 1 nil – we will naturally look to defend that lead
This brings Hearts onto us
Can we keep them out?
If we are losing 1 nil – they will naturally look to defend especially as a draw does then
Can we score twice in the last half hour?
Nil – Nil half hour to go Hearts will be defending, time wasting and slowing the game down – the ref will help
I am praying for a first half like MON first against oldco the 6-2 game
We were 3 nil up after 20/25 minutes
We battered them early on – overran them
I would love to enjoy the last half hour. being 3 nil up will help
But I expect a tense last half hour – as I type I am shaking at the thought of it
God bless those players tomorrow
67ECW
I honestly think we have broken all our rivals. Police having a go at us. Glasgow Council having a go at us. Hind holding back money and all the media having a field day. I know mistakes have been made this year, but let’s not forget we are not amongst friends. They all hate us and our success.
Huns not hind
3 main culprits to this conspiracy nonsense about corruption
Sky Sports Kris Boyd
Former Scotland assistant manager Ally McCoist
Hearts Manger Derek McInnes
All 3 indulged in hyperbole and conspiracy theories on why Beaton and Dallas favoured Celtic
It was laughable risible nonsense and the three of them know it, playing to their respective galleries
If this SFA statement below is to mean anything all 3 should be subjected to the strongest sanctions
John Beaton and his family spent last night at home under police surveillance following a leak of personal details online.
The Scottish FA condemns in the strongest possible terms attempts to compromise the safety of match officials. Such vigilantism, motivated by decisions perceived to be right or wrong on a field of play, is a scourge on our national game and we are grateful to Police Scotland for their swift intervention.
We are also clear, sadly, that this is the inevitable consequence of the heightening criticism, intolerance and scapegoating demonstrated this season by media pundits, supporters, official supporters’ groups, clubs, players, managers and former match officials.
We do not make that point lightly as the national association. Yet it is an inconvenient truth. Those who have sought to apportion blame and conspiracy towards match officials to deflect from defeats or perceived injustices throughout the season have contributed to an environment that puts the safety of our staff and match officials in jeopardy.
This is the consequence of a hysterical media narrative, fuelled by irresponsible knee-jerk post-match media interviews, commentary and official social media posts. The cumulative effect impacts on our ability to provide enough referees to service our game at all levels. When it compromises the safety and wellbeing of our most senior match officials, enough is enough.
Referees are not infallible. Mistakes will be made on the field, and subjective calls made in front of the VAR monitor, just as managers will pick the wrong team, goalkeepers concede soft goals and strikers miss from five yards out. Yet the reaction to these inevitabilities could not be more contrasting.
What happened yesterday is not an isolated incident. There are many examples of match officials being placed in harmful situations but with individuals fearful of speaking out lest it exacerbates the situation or causes further alarm to friends, family and colleagues.
We will not allow this to become the norm. We will not allow a situation where match officials require special provision to protect their children at school to be considered an occupational hazard. We will not allow a situation where staying at home with the front door locked and avoiding the hazards of public interaction becomes a coping strategy.
The Scottish FA will be seeking to strengthen its rules to better protect those integral to the game and urge those who will doubtless join us in condemning incidents like this to support those proposals, not contribute to their watering-down on the basis of self-preservation.
As we approach what should be an exciting finale to the season, we ask those who have personalised and hyperbolised their opinions, those who have sought the easy way out by attributing defeats to perceived refereeing errors, and those who have approved incendiary statements and posts to reflect on their contribution to creating an environment of intimidation, fear and alarm.
We urge tolerance and perspective to prevent any further, unthinkable escalation.
the Bada Bing on 15th May 2026 4:15 pm
https://x.com/scottishfa/status/2055302936142680337?s=46&t=MYy3moAzhlnn6WK4UWChnQ
Hefty ban for McInnes incoming
=============================
Yes , for starters . Sky need to grab a few of their pundits by the collar as well .
I’m on the HTS and I didn’t even get an email about purchasing a ticket for the Final/
Michael Stewart got banned from Hampden for less…..corruption….disgusting….etc, we will see if they have the balls to ban these clowns
i dont think this season was the season to pre-organise any title celebrations that involved spending money upfront for stewards or toilets or catering etc.
we havent been in this league race virtually the whole season, and we still have to beat a team we havent beaten all season to win it.
who would foot the bill if we dont win?
and we would look like complete fannies if that happened.
the polis are just fuds, their statement is just grandstanding. they know there is virtually nothing celtic can say or do that would make any difference apart from not win!
and do you think i would let celtic tell me where i can and cant go on a saturday afternoon?
hardly.
fugget
there will be a 2nd ballot for the cup final, always is
Dusgraceful
https://x.com/i/status/2055308408362774601
Disgraceful
At least Derek Ferguson is taking the handball decision well. His hatred for Celtic is there for all to see..
https://x.com/MontielCartel/status/2055231347594059852?s=20
what the media should do is show us every penalty box defender handball this season where a penalty has been give (hunners) and also of every defender hand ball that wasnt given as a penalty (nane).
as dermott gallagher says every monday on ref watch – the scottish refs are consistent in that they give them every time (apart from the odd exception for 1 club).
and anyone who says that he didnt handle it is howling at the moon.
so only 1 decision could have been made.
Huns going for 5 in a row,total deflection stuff
Celtic v Scotland
12.30 Celtic Park 16th May 2026
I was going to keep my mouth shut in light of the statement regarding Beatons harassment, but who gives a fekk about what I say on a wee fitba blog!
Robertson is my big concern tomorrow.
He has pretty much perfected a way of heavily influencing a game, without needing to resort to making big calls, but if needs be he will.
I expect to see many soft fouls given against us tomorrow, meaning he will dictate the flow of play, turning attacks into a defensive situations for us.
Hearts have been good with their set pieces this season and its going to be an asset if they get awarded enough opportunities at them.
They are also a physical, competitive side and even their forwards like Braga and Shankland can handle themselves.
It’s a tough balance to get going into challenges knowing you need to be strong, but at the same time knowing the slightest touch will probably end up a foul against you.
We need to bring our A-Game to this, our touch, our passing, finishing, decision making, etc. need to be bang on.
Just be too good for them with all of these and we can take Robertson out of the equation.
Regarding the media hyperbole mentioned in the SFA statement, the role of BBC Scotland should not be overlooked. Licence payers pay for a non partisan, neutral service but that is not what is delivered, Over and above their appalling lack of balance on their football coverage, it has been incredible to listen to the morning news programme from 6 – 9am on Radio Scotland for the past few weeks. Presenter Martin Giessler has been allowed free rein to push his one-sided Hearts agenda. No one else working in the public sector would be allowed to use their work place to promote the interests of their football team and decry others. Why is it permitted for someone working in a public service media capacity?
I’m a nervous wreck already. Dearie me.
SFA statement
https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/a-scottish-fa-statement/?rid=13929
HH
bigrailroadblues on 15th May 2026 5:32 pm
I’m a nervous wreck already. Dearie me.
Try going for pint? :)
CROFTCELT on 15TH MAY 2026 5:30 PM
Terrible presenter,, doesn’t hide his Brit Nat political beliefs nor his Hearts affiliation, of course that’s why he is on the BBC
Police Scotland criticising Celtic today is all about getting their retaliation in first. This is the same Police Scotland who escorted, on more than one occasion, Sevco fans into Glasgow City centre and just last week couldn’t hold back those same Sevco fans inside Celtic Park. Total incompetence.
Thunder Road 5.38
I’m trying. 😉😂🍻
fug me,
what might happen if celtic fans celebrate in their own city tomorrow afternoon is the lead on stv news.
seriously.
And if we had planned for a celebration all the headlines would be – Celtic typical hubris, planning a party before they win anything.
Croftcelt
Many people across the UK have given up their TV licence and it’s nothing to do with football. They are supposed to be neutral, fair and balanced but they fall far short of that in many respects.
I stopped paying and don’t watch or listen.
Saint Stivs @ 3:50pm – yip.
Vast open spaces at Glasgow Green and Bellahouston Park … which already cater for large crowds … are 15 – 20 minutes walk from the respective stadiums.
why couldnt glasgow green be opened for the match with big screens and catering vans, maybe a fair ride or two,
like though do, all summer long from concerts, to pipe bands, to orangemen and athletic races.
i was sure it is our city as well.