Celtic’s Scottish Premiership title hopes remain alive after a dramatic 99th-minute penalty kept them in the hunt going into a final-day showdown with Hearts. The Hoops came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at Fir Park, courtesy of a contentious spot-kick in the dying stages.
The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both sides creating numerous chances. Motherwell took the lead through a Kevin van Veen strike in the 25th minute, only for Celtic to level through a Odsonne Édouard header in the 65th minute.
Key moments
The turning point of the match came in the 99th minute, when referee Nick Walsh awarded Celtic a penalty after a handball by Stephen O’Donnell. The spot-kick was slotted home by Édouard, sparking wild celebrations among the Celtic players and staff.
Reaction
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was left fuming with the referee’s decision, but was proud of his team’s never-say-die attitude. ‘I’m proud of the boys for showing the character and resilience to come back from behind and earn a point,’ he said. ‘However, I’m still left questioning the referee’s decision to award the penalty.’
Hearts manager Craig Levein was also left frustrated by the result, but acknowledged that his side’s title hopes are now all but over. ‘We had a great chance to win the title, but it’s slipped through our fingers,’ he said. ‘We can only focus on trying to finish the season strongly.’
Implications
The result means that Celtic remain three points behind Hearts, who are now favourites to win the title. However, the Hoops still have a game in hand and will be confident of overturning the deficit. If they do, it would be their 10th Scottish Premiership title in 12 years.
Up next
Celtic travel to Tynecastle to face Hearts in their final match of the season on Sunday, kick-off 12:30pm BST.
References
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