"Every time the cameras panned to sections of the Tynecastle crowd, somebody was in tears, somebody looked in pain, somebody was watching with their head in their hands. For 12 glorious minutes during the first half, they were champions of Scotland and it all seemed too much. Winning 2-0 against Falkirk and with Celtic losing 1-0 at Motherwell, the perfect picture was forming in front of their eyes. It became blurred, of course. Everybody knew it would, but it was still a brief glimpse of what-might-be, a tantalising vision of the future they're all praying for."
"We now have a denouement at Celtic Park on Saturday, a straight shootout between leaders Hearts and chasers Celtic. A win or a draw for Derek McInnes' team and they are champions. Forget everything you thought you knew about Scottish football at that point because everything will change if they manage to enter the cauldron in Glasgow's east end and defy Martin O'Neill, his team and almost 60,000 supporters."
"O'Neill is intending to leave Celtic soon - and there is no sign at all that he intends to leave quietly. It makes no sense that Hearts are still atop the league table with 90 minutes of the season to go. It makes no sense that they have led for the longest time despite having finances that are a mere spit in a bucket compared to Celtic's. A seismic event, a footballing earthquake, is still possible for them - as is earth-shattering disappointment - but either way you know that the last day of the season is probably going to have some, all, or even more craziness and confusion and rancour as the penultimate night did on Wednesday."
Hearts supporters showed intense emotion early in a turbulent night, with many in tears or pain as the title picture briefly looked possible. For 12 minutes in the first half, Hearts were champions of Scotland after winning 2-0 against Falkirk while Celtic were losing 1-0 at Motherwell. The advantage then blurred, but the scenario created a tantalising glimpse of what could come next. A decisive match at Celtic Park on Saturday will determine the title, with Hearts needing a win or draw to become champions. Celtic’s manager Martin O’Neill is expected to leave soon and intends to do so forcefully, while Hearts remain top despite far smaller finances than Celtic. The final day is expected to bring further chaos, confusion, and controversy.
Read at www.bbc.com
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