Hearts v Falkirk LIVE: Latest updates as historic title on the line
- Hearts win but Celtic score late penalty to take title to final day | Live on Sky Sports
- 86' GOAL! Spittal improves the goal difference with fine effort (HEA 3-0 FAL)
- 34' GOAL! Devlin reacts quick to fire in second (HEA 2-0 FAL)
- 29' GOAL! Kent's header sends Hearts into crucial lead (HEA 1-0 FAL)
- 4' DISALLOWED! Miller scores for Falkirk but was just offside (HEA 0-0 FAL)
O'Neill praises Iheanacho
23:14 , Mike JonesMore from the Celtic boss who was quick to praise the mentality of Kelechi Iheanacho as he scored the spot kick.
"Iheanacho has been terrific for us with the little cameo roles that he's done,” he said.
"He's had a really frustrating time this season with hamstring problems, but he has come up big for us in these weeks, absolutely big, and he was the one taking the penalty.
"I was delighted that he was the one who was taking it.
Martin O'Neill on penalty decision
23:09 , Mike JonesThe Celtic manager, Martin O’Neill, has backed the VAR decision to award his team a late penalty seemingly going against the views of every other football professional talking about the controversy.
O’Neill toll BBC Scotland: "Well, I have seen it back very, very briefly, it's a handball, it looks as if it's also an elbow to the side of the head as well.
"VAR have asked the referee to come over and have a look at it, and he's [had] no hesitation in giving the penalty."
Jens Berthel Askou on 'unreal moment' penalty was given
23:05 , Mike JonesMotherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has as enraged over the penalty decision as Derek McInnes.
He said: "I thought it was very unreal moment. I can't see any way in any world where that could be a penalty.
"I can't see a connection with the arm, but if there is it's because he connects with [Auston] Trusty and he pushes his arm up.
"It's a shame that a good game, with good tempo and intensity gets decided in a situation like that."
Lineker has his say on penalty controversy
23:00 , Mike JonesGary Lineker has even chipped in with his thoughts on the penalty decision being awarded in Celtic’s favour.
Over on X he wrote: “This might be the worst VAR decision I’ve seen (and there’s a lot of competition).
“Extraordinary given the significance.”
Celtic deserve to take title fight to final day
22:56 , Mike JonesCeltic captain Callum McGregor spoke to Sky Sports after his team’s late victory.
He said: "That’s huge, a special character had to take the penalty in that pressure.
"The team were, again, working so hard, and you just think it's going to go away from you, and you just get your mind ready, don’t lose the game and let’s go have the shootout at the weekend and see what happens.
"But with this team, how many goals have we scored in the last minute?
"Sometimes you need things to drop for you if you’re going to win titles, especially with how far we’ve come from since late December to still be in it, now with it all in your own hands.
"We deserve to take it to the last day."
Reaction from Iheanacho
22:51 , Mike JonesRegardless of how dubious the penalty decision was it still needed to be scored and up stepped Kelechi Iheanacho.
He told Sky Sports: "To be fair, I don't have words, I don't know how, but we've done it.
"As you can see, the fans are still shouting, and we're happy, and we have one more to go.
"We need to get back now and focus on that. I just kept cool, and it's scary, but thankfully we got the victory, so we're happy."
It clearly hits his head
22:47 , Mike JonesFormer Rangers striker Kris Boyd gave his opinion on Sky Sports saying:
“It clearly hits his head. If it hits your hand it just drops down at your feet.
“The non-red card for Alistair Johnston against Rangers and now that tonight. Another dubious call that goes in Celtic's favour.
“Questions will be asked.”
McInnes fumes over VAR penalty decision
22:42 , Mike JonesThe Hearts manager has seen the replay of the penalty awarded to Celtic in stoppage time and told Sky Sports: “When you hear Celtic got a 96th minute penalty and it’s going to VAR, and they were checking, you assume what’s happened, they get the penalty.
“Having seen it again, it’s disgusting, it is, I don’t think it’s a penalty. But we’re up against it, we’re up against everybody. We’ll be ready for Saturday. I don’t think it’s a penalty, there were two more shouts for penalties in our game against Motherwell.
“I’ve seen it, it’s so poor that they’ve been given that penalty, and it looks like they’ve been given it. They’ve been very fortunate. We have to realise that we’re up against everything on Saturday.”
Celtic's controversial penalty
22:23 , Mike JonesCeltic’s match winning penalty was awarded late in stoppage time after a VAR check.
It was awarded for an apparant handball by Sam Nicholson though the ball clearly hits his head.
It may have clipped his hand on the way but at best it’s a soft penalty decision and certainly not clear and obvious.
That call could have huge ramifications on where the title ends up.
What do Celtic need on the final day?
22:19 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s simple for Celtic: they must beat Hearts on Saturday.
Their last-minute winner on Wednesday means they no longer have to win by six goals. A win, no matter the score, will do the job.
How can Hearts win the league on Saturday?
22:15 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter a thrilling title race full of twists and turns, it all comes down to Saturday lunchtime.
If Hearts win, they win the title. If Hearts draw, they win the title. But if they lose, it will now be Celtic’s championship.
Scottish Premiership standings and fixtures
22:11 , Mike Jones1) Hearts | Played: 37, Points: 80, GD+ 35
2) Celtic | Played: 37, Points: 79, GD+ 30
Remaining fixture
Saturday 16 May - Celtic vs Hearts (12:30pm BST)
What do Hearts need to win the league?
22:07 , Jamie BraidwoodHearts are on the brink of winning a first league title since 1960 and breaking Celtic and Rangers’ duopoly of the Scottish Premiership.
Under Derek McInnes, Hearts have led the way for most of the season and head into Scottish football’s biggest weekend since 1985 with the title in their hands. However, after a dramatic finish on Wednesday, the momentum is with Celtic.
Hearts comfortably defeated Falkirk 3-0 on Wednesday, but Celtic needed a last-minute Kelechi Iheanacho penalty - given after a VAR review - to keep their hopes realistically alive.
Strange feeling at Tynecastle
22:03 , Mike JonesIt’s a strange and almost deflated feeling at Tynecastle despite Hearts having won 3-0.
Celtic’s late win means that the title will be decided on Saturday at Celtic Park.
Hearts just need to avoid defeat there to win the league.
The players have stuck around and are clapping the fans but there are plenty of sad faces around the stadium.
A mixture of emotions at Tynecastle
21:58 , Jamie Braidwood, at TynecastleThe Hearts players were crowding around phones on the pitch watching the late Celtic penalty. Unbelievable. It almost feels as if Hearts have lost. The late Celtic winner has punctured the atmosphere after Hearts were ready for a party. Extraordinary.
Twist at Fir Park!
21:55 , Mike JonesCeltic have been awarded a penalty kick in the 97th minute at Fir Park after a VAR review.
The Hearts fans are all looking at their phones and waiting for updates on this penalty.
Kelechi Iheanacho places the ball on the spot. He guides it into the bottom corner.
Celtic lead 3-2 over Motherwell and are back to within one point of Hearts.
FULL TIME! Hearts 3-0 Falkirk
21:54 , Jamie Braidwood, at TynecastleEveryone at Tynecastle is waiting to see what happens at Celtic. This is remarkable. The Hearts players are standing around waiting to see what happens...
Full-time! Hearts 3-0 Falkirk
21:53 , Mike JonesThere goes the whistle to end the match.
Hearts have done what they needed to do and in the process improved their goal difference over Celtic as well.
That could prove crucial ahead of the title decider between the two teams on Saturday.
Hearts will head into it as the Scottish Premiership leaders.
Hearts 3-0 Falkirk
21:51 , Mike Jones90 mins: Three minutes of added time to play at Tynecastle Park.
Time for another Hearts goal?
GOAL! Hearts 3-0 Falkirk (Blair Spittal, 86')
21:46 , Mike JonesThat’ll help!
A give and go plays Blair Spittal into the right side of the penalty area.
He takes a touch to set himself and slots the effort beautifully into the far bottom corner.
GOAL! Hearts 3-0 Falkirk (SPITTAL)
21:45 , Jamie BraidwoodA HUGE GOAL! Blair Spittal comes up with another and Hearts run back to their half to restart, they are chasing goal difference!
Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
21:44 , Mike Jones85 mins: Hearts are pushing for more goals despite already being five better off than Celtic in the table.
Spittal whips in a corner bu Hogarth is there to push the ball away.
Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
21:43 , Mike Jones83 mins: The equaliser at Fir Park was scored by Liam Gordon who came through the Hearts youth system as well.
It certainly feels as though the title race has swung firmly in Hearts’ favour right now.
Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
21:42 , Mike Jones82 mins: Oh my!
Tynecastle Park has just erupted in cheers as news filters through that Motherwell have equalised against Celtic.
It’s 2-2 at Fir Park and that puts Hearts firmly in the driving seat to win the title now.
The fans are in full voice now and are starting to celebrate again.
Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
21:42 , Jamie BraidwoodEvents at Tynecastle had fallen into a bit of a limbo. Not anymore! Motherwell are level!
Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
21:38 , Mike Jones78 mins: This match, and the one at Fir Park between Celtic and Motherwell, have gone a bit flat.
It’s almost cruise control until the 90 minutes runs out and the title decider can take place on Saturday.
Hearts will hope to add more goals to their tally before the end of the game though.
Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
21:32 , Mike Jones73 mins: Kingsley has been good value since his introduction at the break.
Hearts have grown in confidence and control throughout the game and even cut short a Falkirk counter attack before it can really begin to develop.
Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
21:29 , Mike Jones69 mins: Hearts are now peppering the Falkirk box with crosses, mainly from the left, but the visitors have so far been up to the task of repelling them.
The latest onslaught comes through a couple of Kingsley’s long throws but again the visitors deal with them without issue.
Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
21:25 , Mike Jones66 mins: Kingsley and Allan come together as the Hearts man shields the ball. He wins a free kick and takes it himself as the hosts send players into the box.
The cross is cleared out as far as Spittal who shoots from range and wins a corner.
Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
21:23 , Mike Jones63 mins: Hearts don’t look in any danger. If anything they look likely to add more goals.
Kingsley fires in a cross after an overlapping run on the left.
It’s sent into the dangerzone but Hogarth gets there first to slap it away.
Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
21:19 , Mike Jones60 mins: A shocking backpass sends the ball out for a Falkirk corner but a foul in the box ends any threat from the visitors.
The atmosphere has been zapped out of the stadium after that deflating news about Celtic taking the lead.
Shankland tries to bring it back with a brilliant header that just flies wide of the near post.
The captain is getting himself into dangerous positions.
Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
21:15 , Mike Jones57 mins: Oh no.
Celtic have gone ahead at Fir Park and there are now some sulky looking faces on the Hearts fans now.
It was always going to be a long shot for Hearts to win the title tonight and the most important matter was for the team to make sure they win.
It’s an easier job now that they’re two goals up.
Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
21:13 , Mike Jones54 mins: Close! Devlin crosses from the right and drops the ball at the feet of Shankland.
He sidefoots an effort towards the back post but Hogarth leaps over and palms the effort past the woodwork.
The offside flag then goes up against the Hearts captain.
Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
21:11 , Mike Jones51 mins: Hearts with a free kick and send it out to Kzyiridis once again. He dances inside this time and wins a free kick after being clattered by Calvin Miller.
Hearts decide to play it quickly but nothing threatening materialises from it.
Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
21:09 , Mike Jones48 mins: Crossbar!
A beautiful switch of play from Hearts sees the ball drop to Kyziridis in space on the right wing.
He drives up to the box and almost looks to chip the goalkeeper or send a cross to the back post. It’s a good effort either way and the ball drops onto the woodwork!
Second half! Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
21:04 , Mike JonesAs Hearts get the ball rolling for the second half, Stephen Kingsley has been brought on in place of Harry Milne.
The hosts send the ball over to the left wing but it sails out of play for a throw in.
21:01 , Mike JonesDerek McInnes speaking before kick off: "I'm looking forward to the game. Obviously it's eagerly anticipated as all the home games have been.
"I remember the first home game of the season here against Aberdeen and we wanted to be something, and to get the crowd involved. We were relentless that night.
"Now it’s the last home game of the season and we just ask the players for more of the same. Same approach, same commitment, same desire, get the crowd into it and hopefully get the same outcome as that game.
"The atmosphere is going to be special and we need to thrive on that."
HALF TIME! Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
20:58 , Jamie Braidwood, at TynecastleHearts are in complete control at Tynecastle. Now, if Motherwell and Celtic finishes as a draw, Hearts would have the opportunity to increase their goal difference in the second half against Falkirk, which could be huge by Saturday. With a three-point lead and superior goal difference, Celtic would need a huge win over Hearts on the final day.
HT Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
20:57 , Mike JonesHearts dominated the first half after a nervous start.
They had 69% possession and created six shots with three of those chances on target.
Two of those three efforts ended up in the back of the net and Derek McInnes’ men can’t do much more than they have already.
HT Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
20:53 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
20:48 , Mike JonesThe whistle goes and the Hearts players are applauded as they head down the tunnel.
It was a shaky start from the league leaders but they got their act together and two goals scored in the opening 45 minutes mean they have a strong chance to win a historic league title this evening.
All to play for in the second half.
Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
20:47 , Mike Jones45 mins: Just the one minute of added time to play at Tynecastle.
Braga fends off Donaldson before getting tackled over on the left wing.
Hearts have control but Celtic’s equaliser means they currently won’t win the title tonight.
Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
20:44 , Jamie BraidwoodSpeaking of... news of Daizen Maeda’s goal at Fir Park is not going to spread round Tynecastle as quickly.
Hearts 2-0 Falkirk
20:39 , Mike Jones39 mins: The Hearts fans are in tears already. Their side have control in this clash against Falkirk but they need Motherwell to remain ahead against Celtic.
The Hoops are struggling over at Fir Park. They need to find a goal to keep the title race alive.
GOAL! Hearts 2-0 Falkirk (Cameron Devlin, 34')
20:36 , Mike JonesTwo!
Braga plays a one-two to get the ball into the box but a last-ditch tackle pokes it away from him.
Cameron Devlin is the first to react and sprints to the ball before slotting it towards goal.
A deflection takes it past the goalkeeper and Hearts have a firm grip on this game, and possibly the title, right now!
GOAL! Hearts 2-0 Falkirk (DEVLIN)
20:35 , Jamie BraidwoodAnd now it is 2-0, to Hearts! Cammy Devlin and Frankie Kent came into the team tonight, both have scored! Remarkable.
“We shall not be moved” rings around Tynecastle. It’s been a brilliant response from Hearts to their slow start, and they are doing their job!
Hearts 1-0 Falkirk
20:34 , Mike Jones31 mins: Oh!
It’s almost 2-0 to Hearts as the ball is swung in from the right and drops to Harry Milne.
He takes a touch then goes for power before blazing the effort just over the crossbar!
At Fir Park it remains 1-0 to Motherwell.
Hearts 1-0 Falkirk
20:33 , Jamie BraidwoodAnother roar is spreading around Tynecastle as Hearts prepare to take a corner... is it 2-0 to Motherwell?!
Supporters are looking around, checking their phones.... One fan raises two fingers, but I think it’s still only 1-0!
What drama already.
GOAL! Hearts 1-0 Falkirk (Frankie Kent, 29')
20:31 , Mike JonesHuge! A massive goal for Hearts.
Kyziridis swings in a corner kick and lands the ball on the head of Frankie Kent who bullets his header into the back of the net.
Hearts are leading, Celtic are losing, the title is on the line!
GOAL! Hearts 1-0 Falkirk (KENT 29')
20:30 , Jamie Braidwood, at TynecastleWOOW! Tynecastle erupts! Red smoke billows from the far corner of the ground and the unthinkable is happening! What a header from Frankie Kent.
Hearts 0-0 Falkirk
20:28 , Mike Jones28 mins: Close! Alexandros Kyziridis feeds the ball to Shankland in a slick move between the two Hearts attackers.
Shankland shoots from just inside the penalty area on the right and his effort takes a deflection but lands safely in the hands of Hogarth who keeps it out.
Hearts have overcome their early nerves it seems.
Hearts 0-0 Falkirk
20:28 , Jamie Braidwood, at TynecastleThat was Hearts’ best moment as Shankland’s low shot was saved. This is an extraordinary situation: with Celtic behind, a Hearts goal would have them on course for the title. They are growing into the game, but there is now that extra tension in the air...
Hearts 0-0 Falkirk
20:26 , Mike Jones25 mins: Hearts win a free kick that gets whipped into the box from the right wing.
Findlay is over by the far post and leaps towards the ball but it skims over the top of his head and bounces through for a Falkirk throw in.
Hearts 0-0 Falkirk
20:23 , Mike Jones22 mins: From a throw in Hearts work the ball nicely on the left to feed Braga into space.
He curls in a cross that Hogarth attempts to catch under pressure from Lawrence Shankland.
The goalkeeper fumbles the ball but it’s not too much of an issue and the danger is dealt with.
Hearts 0-0 Falkirk
20:21 , Mike Jones20 mins: Calvin Miller gets into another decent position over on the left and weaves towards Michael Steinwender who drops back into his own box.
Miller manages to get the cross in but Hearts defend it well enough.
Hearts 0-0 Falkirk
20:18 , Mike Jones17 mins: Connor Allan makes a solid run down the right and wins a free kick having been clattered by Blair Spittal who also collects a yellow card.
In the other crucial match of the evening Motherwell have taken the lead against Celtic.
That means if Hearts win and Celtic lose, Hearts will be crowned champions. The Hearts fans have cranked up the volume at Tynecastle to encourage their team on!
Hearts 0-0 Falkirk
20:18 , Jamie Braidwood, at Tynecastle15 mins: Hearts have been second best so far and rather sluggish, the crowd increasingly anxious... but then comes a barreling, thunderous roar! Have Motherwell scored....?
Hearts 0-0 Falkirk
20:15 , Mike Jones14 mins: This is better from Hearts. They work the ball slickly into the box with Braga in control.
He’s forced wide but manages to get a pass back across to Beni Baningime.
Baningime is encouraged to shoot but decides on a short pass to try and work a better position for Hearts but the attack fades away before threatening the goalkeeper.
Hearts 0-0 Falkirk
20:13 , Mike Jones11 mins: Hearts are trying to get themselves up the pitch but Falkirk are pressing aggressively and are seeing some joy in cutting out passes through midfield.
Findlay fires a long ball down the left wing towards Claudio Braga but he loses possession under pressure.
Hearts 0-0 Falkirk
20:09 , Mike Jones8 mins: Hearts need to buck up.
Falkirk have started this match by far the better team. They’ve been positive and aggressive with the home side slightly timid.
A bit of possession is needed for McInnes’ men.
Hearts 0-0 Falkirk
20:07 , Jamie Braidwood4 mins: McInnes was shaking his head and had a face like thunder even before the disallowed goal. Hearts had been slow to the second balls and Falkirk had started much sharper. A wake-up call for Hearts and their patched up defence.
Hearts 0-0 Falkirk
20:06 , Mike Jones4 mins: Goal... wait no.
Calvin Miller makes a darting run down the inside left channel and receives the ball as it gets chipped over the top.
Miller collects the ball and drives into the box before firing a superb low effort into the far bottom corner.
The offside flag goes up from the linesman and a quick VAR quick confirms the onfield decision despite it being a close call.
Reprieve for Hearts.
Hearts 0-0 Falkirk
20:04 , Mike Jones3 mins: Ben Broggio gets in behind the Hearts defence after a slip the central defender.
Broggio looks for the cutback pass but a backtracking Cameron Devlin slides in to make the block and he deflects the ball behind for a corner.
Falkirk maintain the early pressure they’ve put on Hearts. Alexander Schwolow makes a couple of slight errors in goal before Stuart Findley clears his lines.
Hearts 0-0 Falkirk
20:02 , Jamie BraidwoodTynecastle is rocking after the Heart’s Song. Bouncing. Now for the players to try and keep and their heads and what could be the most special of evenings...
Kick off! Hearts 0-0 Falkirk
20:01 , Mike JonesFalkirk get the ball rolling and work it over to the left wing where it’s nudged out of play for a throw in to the visitors.
This clash is underway!
Hearts vs Falkirk
19:56 , Mike JonesThe players make their way out at Tynecastle ahead of one of the biggest matches of the season.
Hearts could win the title tonight but other results will need to go their way.
To keep things in their own hands they need to beat Falkirk and bring some confidence into the final match of the season against Celtic.
Kick off is up next...
'Voice of Hearts' Colin Chisholm leads the Heart's song
19:55 , Jamie BraidwoodColin Chisholm, one of the original voices of the Heart’s song, was first invited from his season-ticket seat to perform on the Tynecastle pitch before the game against Aberdeen on February 28. It proved to be such a hit that Chisholm has performed at every Hearts game since. Prepare for another rousing rendition from the 73-year-old.
Can Shankland match his own record?
19:52 , Mike JonesLawrence Shankland has scored in both of Heart of Midlothian’s last two home league games.
The last Hearts player to score in three successive home Scottish Premiership appearances was Shankland himself in May 2024.
Hearts have 'unshakeable belief' in winning title - Derek McInnes
19:47 , Jamie BraidwoodDerek McInnes refused to look beyond tonight’s game against Falkirk and said there was no talk of “distractions” with Hearts able to win the title tonight if Celtic lose to Motherwell.
“I have believed for a while that we’ve got a team capable of winning the league, just that unshakeable belief in what we’re doing,” McInnes said.
“We have been trying to hold off a couple of heavyweights for a long time now. We’ve managed to see off Rangers and we’ve got to try and see off Celtic over the next two games.
“I think the facts show we’re coping brilliantly. We’ve already broken a club record in terms of points tally and we’ve got a Champions League qualifier already secured, but obviously we want to try and go one better now and win the league.”
Ending on a high?
19:42 , Mike JonesAfter beating St. Johnstone 2-1 last season, Hearts could win their final home game in back-to-back top-flight campaigns for the first time since 2005-06/2006-07.
History going against Falkirk
19:37 , Mike JonesFalkirk have only scored in one of their last seven top-flight matches against Hearts (two draws, five defeats).
They netted twice but still lost in February 2010 (3-2).
Hearts vs Falkirk
19:32 , Mike JonesHearts have won each of their last five top-flight matches against Falkirk, including all three this season without conceding.
This game is a big one though and Hearts know a victory puts them on the brink of a historic title win.
Is Hearts v Falkirk on TV? How to watch with Scottish Premiership on the line
19:27 , Jamie BraidwoodHearts v Falkirk will be shown live on Sky Sports Football, not Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting from 7pm BST. Kick-off is 8pm. The other game in the title race, Motherwell v Celtic, will be shown live on Sky Sports +, an additional channel that can be accessed via the red button, Now TV, or the Sky app.
Is Hearts v Falkirk on TV? Channel, time and how to watch Scottish Premiership
'The eyes of the world are watching'
19:25 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Hearts stadium announcer takes the opportunity, while he can, to remind supporters that under “no circumstances” should fans enter the pitch at any point this evening. Many situations are at play, of course, including Hearts winning the league tonight...
What do Hearts need to win the league?
19:10 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter a thrilling title race full of twists or turns, it could all come down to tonight.
If Hearts beat Falkirk at home and Celtic lose away to Motherwell, Hearts will be champions with one game to spare.
Both games kick-off at the same time (8pm BST), so any goals at Tynecastle or Fir Park will filter through to the other team.
Celtic can guarantee the title goes down to the final day as long as they avoid defeat at Motherwell.
What do Hearts need to win the league? Scottish Premiership title permutations
Torrential downpour can't dampen excitement
18:59 , Jamie Braidwood, at TynecastleThe pre-match plans of many Hearts supporters have been spoiled by a torrential downpour in Edinburgh, leaving many ducking into the crowded pubs on Gorgie Road for cover. Not that many needed an excuse.
Falkirk team to face Hearts
18:58 , Mike JonesFalkirk XI: Hogarth, Henderson, Donaldson, Allan, Hart, Spencer, Tait, Miller, Yeats, Broggio, Wilson.
Substitutes: Sneddon, Graham, MacIver, Cartwright, Oliver, Ross, Parkinson, Brown, Bennett.
Hearts team to face Falkirk
18:46 , Mike JonesHearts XI: Schwolow, Steinwender, Findlay, Kent, Milne; Baningime, Devlin, Spittal; Kyziridis, Braga, Shankland
📋 TEAM NEWS
— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) May 13, 2026
Tonight's XI to take on Falkirk at Tynecastle Park 🇱🇻 pic.twitter.com/mO0DKitzvN
Derek McInnes 'assuming' Celtic win tonight to take title race to wire
18:45 , Jamie BraidwoodHearts boss Derek McInnes said he was “assuming” that Celtic would beat Motherwell tonight to take the title race down to the final day, where Hearts play Celtic on Saturday.
“I’ve had it in my head that we’re going to the last game and I’m prepared for that,” McInnes said. “Listen, there’s no easy games for anybody, nothing’s straightforward.
“Motherwell are a more than capable team, as we saw the other night. They were fully committed against us and I’m sure that’ll be the same again against Celtic.”
Celtic boss Martin O'Neill feeling familiar title race 'anxiety'
18:28 , Jamie BraidwoodMartin O'Neill saw title races against Rangers go down to the wire during his first spell with Celtic, including a final day shootout in 2005, and the Northern Irishman said he was experiencing some familiar feelings now as the 74-year-old bids to win a fourth league title.
“The anxiety wouldn’t be that much different,” O’Neill said when asked about his first spell in charge more than two decades ago. “And it’s good that I feel this way, because I’ve always felt that.
“I felt this is a player, although the thing I always felt as a player is, you could do something about it. I’ve always felt the same as a manager and then you’re depending on players for your living after that.
“And so the same sort of nervousness, the same sort of excitement, all those type of things still exist with me even at my age.”
And what about Falkirk? Can they spoil the party?
18:10 , Jamie BraidwoodFalkirk have punched well about their weight under John McGlynn this season but have lost two of their three games following the split and their slim hopes of finishing fifth this season and qualifying for Europe now rest on beating Hearts and Rangers in their last two.
“Mathematically it’s not done yet so we just need to go and give a good account of ourselves on Wednesday,” Falkirk forward Calvin Miller said. “I’m sure Tynecastle will be electric considering what they are going for so we really need to roll the sleeves up and get a big performance from ourselves.”
Hope for Hearts? Celtic face a tough test at Motherwell
17:52 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter their 1-1 draw at Fir Park on Saturday, Hearts need no reminding that Motherwell have been a tough test for any side this season under Jens Berthel Askou.
Motherwell could secure European football with a win tonight, and have beaten Celtic and Rangers this term while drawing against Hearts three times.
“It’s something that has helped us, especially at Ibrox last time, also against Hearts the other day,” Askou said when asked about playing the big teams.
“I am confident that it will also give us an advantage that we have practised that again and again and again when we played the big teams, to really try to be ourselves all the way through.
“I trust the players that they will be able to show their best side, not only technically and physically but also mentally.”
Scottish Premiership standings and fixtures
17:35 , Jamie Braidwood1) Hearts | Played: 36, Points: 77, GD+ 32
2) Celtic | Played: 36, Points: 76, GD+ 29
Remaining fixtures
Hearts: Falkirk (h), Celtic (a)
Celtic: Motherwell (a), Hearts (h)
Derek McInnes: Hearts to use devastating injuries as 'motivation'
17:30 , Jamie BraidwoodHearts boss Derek McInnes after confirming that key duo Craig Halkett and Marc Leonard will be out for nine months after rupturing their Achilles in the 1-1 draw at Motherwell.
“That’s the kind of hangover a wee bit after the game, two very important players for us, two really popular lads, having to deal with a significant injury,” he said.
“We’ve had to deal with that through a lot of the season and any of the lads who have come in as replacements have never let us down.
“We feel that’s going to be the case this time around as well. We’ve got players who will come in and do the job for us.
“It’s an extra wee bit of motivation for us – if we needed any more – that two boys, two players who have played a big part have really suffered.”
Martin O'Neill please to see Celtic coming into form at the right time
17:12 , Jamie BraidwoodMartin O’Neill could yet complete his own remarkable story if the 74-year-old leads Celtic to the title, 21 years after his last in Scotland. O’Neill, who returned to management in two caretaker spells this season, has seen Celtic win their last five games on the bounce.
“We’ve got some players who are in really good form, which is the most important thing,” he said. “I think there’s a good connection with the team and the fans. I think that’s been an important issue. Celtic Park on Sunday was just was kind of reminiscent of my old days anyway and that’s been great.
“But we’ve gone away from home and we’ve won some big matches as well too, so just a combination of all of those things gives us a chance anyway. They’ve known for some weeks, particularly after the [defeat] at Dundee United, that there was no room for mistakes.”
Last time out: Celtic keep title in their hands with Old Firm win
16:55 , Jamie BraidwoodDaizen Maeda’s spectacular overhead kick completed a stunning comeback for Celtic as they defeat Rangers in the Old Firm to keep their title hopes in their hands. Maeda’s second goal of the game, and his sixth in four appearances, secured Celtic a fifth win in a row in all competitions - their best run of form of the season.
With Hearts slipped up the previous day, it felt as if the momentum of the title race had turned.
Last time out: Hearts suffer a title race blow at Motherwell
16:38 , Jamie BraidwoodOn Saturday night, Hearts well held to a 1-1 draw at Motherwell. On one hand, it means Hearts go into the final week of the season knowing a win at Celtic on Saturday would make them champions. But on the other hand, the draw opened the door to Celtic on a night where Hearts also suffered a couple of painful injury blows.
The leaders lost both Craig Halkett and Marc Leonard to Achilles injuries, with the centre-back and midfielder both ruled out for the next nine months after undergoing surgery. To add to Derek McInnes’ frustration, Hearts were denied a second-half penalty for what appeared to be a clear foul on the winger Alexandros Kyziridis.
Celtic and their title defence under Martin O'Neill
16:20 , Jamie BraidwoodAnd yet, Celtic’s hopes are still in their hands. After beating Rangers last weekend, for their fifth win in a row under Martin O’Neill, Celtic go into the final week of the seeing knowing that two wins from their remaining two games would secure them the title.
That, of course, is because they host Hearts on the final day on Saturday, following this evening’s game against Motherwell.
Hearts and the Scottish title: How we got here
16:10 , Jamie BraidwoodHearts are bidding to become the first team outside of the Old Firm to win the league since 1985, when a man called Alex Ferguson led Aberdeen to a successful title defence.
Under Derek McInnes, Hearts have been leading the way for most of the season, after winning eight of their first nine games of the campaign. With Celtic and Rangers both in chaos at times, they have kept their heads to now stand on the brink of history.
Hearts v Falkirk awaits, plus updates from Celtic
16:05 , Jamie BraidwoodHearts will kick off against Falkirk at 8pm this evening, at the same time as Celtic against Motherwell at Fir Park. With so much riding on both games it is set to be a thrilling evening.
Good afternoon and welcome
16:01 , Jamie BraidwoodHistory could be made at Tynecastle this evening: victory for Hearts over Falkirk, combined with Celtic losing at Motherwell, would confirm them as champions for the first time since 1960. Gorgie Road is ready for its biggest night in a generation.
