Hearts emerged as the real winners after Celtic snatched a dramatic late draw at Rangers, extending their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Reo Hatate’s stoppage-time penalty, after two saves from Jack Butland, secured a 2-2 draw for Celtic, leaving Rangers frustrated and Hearts six points clear of the Glasgow club.
Rangers had dominated the first half, with Youssef Chermiti scoring a stunning overhead kick and a second goal after a defensive error. However, Celtic improved after the break, with Kieran Tierney pulling one back before Hatate’s late equaliser. Rangers manager Danny Röhl admitted his side played only 50 minutes of good football, while Celtic boss Martin O’Neill praised his team’s second-half dominance.
Hearts, who last won the title in 1960, have now extended their lead over Rangers to six points and over Celtic to eight, with Celtic holding a game in hand. The Edinburgh club’s title aspirations have been boosted by back-to-back weekends of favourable results, with Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly taking in the fixtures at Tynecastle and Ibrox.
The match was marred by sectarian chanting from sections of the home support, which O’Neill and others condemned. Rangers, under American ownership, face renewed calls to address the issue. On the pitch, Rangers’ habit of drawing games—now 12 in 29 league matches—continues to undermine their challenge.
