(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Sun 10 May 2026 7:15, UK

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Jeff Stelling has jumped to the defence of Hearts as their 1-1 draw with Motherwell on Saturday night left the door open for Celtic in the race for the Scottish Premiership title.

Derek McInnes’ side fell behind midway through the first half at Fir Park through Stephen Kingsley’s own goal, but they battled back with Lawrence Shankland drawing them level on the stroke of half-time.

The visitors pushed to find an all-important winning goal in the second period, but were left reeling after they saw strong appeals for a penalty waved away by referee Steven McLean.

Hearts’ draw has left them four points clear of second-placed Celtic ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm derby, with victory for the Bhoys in that clash potentially piling the pressure on the leaders.

Hearts will travel to Celtic Park on the final day of the Premiership campaign, and that clash looks set to be decisive for both teams’ fates for the season.

Jeff Stelling points out title race is still in Hearts’ hands

Hearts have been masters of the comeback in recent weeks, as they had won three consecutive games through second-half turnarounds before Saturday’s draw with Motherwell.

McInnes’ men were unable to replicate that feat again at Fir Park, and it has left Martin O’Neill’s Celtic breathing down their neck heading into the final two games.

The Bhoys face an away game in their next outing at Motherwell, and they could be just one point behind Hearts at that stage if they claim victory over Rangers on Sunday.

Journalist Callum McFadden took to X after Hearts’ draw on Sunday to point out that the title is “in Celtic’s hands” heading into their final three games, due to their clash with Hearts on the final day.

However, Stelling quickly jumped to the defence of Hearts as he replied to point out that the title race was also still in their grasp, as he wrote: “It’s not in Celtic’s hands any more than Hearts’ hands!”

Celtic hierarchy’s Green Brigade decision could prove vital

Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider earlier this week that Celtic are right to have locked Rangers’ ultras group The Union Bears out on Sunday’s derby.

That decision has caused plenty of controversy in the lead-up to the game, especially considering the Bhoys recently lifted the ban on their own Green Brigade group heading into the final stages of the season.

That call could yet prove crucial to the outcome of their season, as their return is sure to boost the atmosphere inside Celtic Park even further for their final two home games, including the showdown with Hearts.

O’Neill’s men will need all the support they can get in that encounter, and it is clear that the board have decided that it is the lesser of two evils to allow the Green Brigade back into the stands.

The long-term issue of ultras groups in Scottish football is another matter in itself, but for now at least, it is clear that Celtic are aware of how big a role they could play.