NafisaHearts’ dressing room reaction has reportedly been leaked following Celtic’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Motherwell, a result that has thrown the Scottish Premiership title race into a tense final-day showdown.
The Hoops sealed a stoppage-time win at Fir Park thanks to a 99th-minute penalty from Kelechi Iheanacho, a moment that has sparked outrage across rival camps and completely flipped the momentum heading into the decisive weekend clash between Celtic and Hearts at Parkhead.
But it is what allegedly unfolded inside the Hearts camp after full-time that has now caught serious attention.
According to reports circulating after the final whistle, emotions were running extremely high as news of Celtic’s late winner filtered through to the Tynecastle dressing room, with shock and frustration said to have swept through players and staff.
Hearts had earlier done their part in style, securing a dominant 3-0 win over Falkirk at Tynecastle, a result that briefly placed them on the brink of a historic Scottish Premiership title.
At one stage, the Jambos looked set to be crowned champions with a game to spare, only for Liam Gordon’s late equaliser and the controversial stoppage-time penalty decision at Fir Park to swing the entire race back in Celtic’s favour.
Manager Derek McInnes did not hide his anger in his post-match comments, branding the decision “disgusting” and insisting his side had been left to deal with another major call going against them at a crucial moment.
Speaking after the game, McInnes said: “When we heard Celtic got a 96th minute penalty that was going to VAR, you just assume they’d get the penalty.
“But having seen it again, it’s disgusting. I don’t think it’s a penalty kick. We are up against everybody and we will be ready for Saturday.”
He also added: “If I am Motherwell I am disappointed with that having seen it again. I think it’s so poor that they have been given that penalty. They have been very fortunate and we have to realise we are up against everything.”
Inside the Hearts camp, that frustration is said to have been shared, with players reportedly left stunned at how quickly the title situation changed in the closing stages of the Fir Park clash.
There is understood to be a strong feeling that Hearts had briefly done everything required to take control of the race, only for events elsewhere to overturn the entire picture in dramatic fashion.
Despite the anger, McInnes is believed to have quickly turned focus towards Saturday’s showdown at Celtic Park, urging his squad to regroup and channel their frustration into performance.
And while emotions remain high, belief is still very much alive in the Hearts camp.
With just one point separating the sides heading into the final day, the Jambos know that victory in Glasgow would secure a first league title since 1960.
After the chaos at Fir Park, though, both camps now head into the decisive clash with tension, pressure and emotion at an absolute peak.
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