Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Sat 11 April 2026 19:07, UK

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The Scottish Premiership title race saw plenty of twists and turns on Saturday as Heart of Midlothian rescued three points at the death against Motherwell in a 3-1 victory.

It looked like Derek McInnes’ side were set to drop points yet again when Emmanuel Longelo put the visitors ahead just after the break.

However, Claudio Braga equalised just after the hour mark to make it a grandstand finish at Tynecastle Stadium.

Then, with five minutes to go, Hearts won a contentious penalty, which was converted by Lawrence Shankland, before Pierre Landry Kabore secured the victory in added time.

While the decision to award the penalty has caused widespread debate online, Keith Hackett is happy with the decision amid an intense Scottish Premiership title race.

Keith Hackett believes referee was right to award Hearts penalty vs Motherwell

Late on, it looked like Hearts would have to settle for a costly draw against Motherwell.

With Rangers set to play against Falkirk on Sunday, anything but a victory would surely see Hearts lose their top spot come the end of the week.

However, the hosts were eventually rescued when Stephen Welsh’s boot connected with Kabore’s head inside the box as the centre-back attempted to clear, which eventually resulted in a penalty kick being awarded.

With Kabore being on the floor at the time, and Welsh clearly going for the ball, many Celtic and Rangers fans were aggrieved with the decision.

Three strikers.
Three goals.
👏 pic.twitter.com/VhNpChAYhK

— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) April 11, 2026

Nevertheless, upon reviewing the footage, Hackett exclusively told Football Insider that he was happy with the decision.

He said: “Correct decision to award Hearts a penalty kick for that kick out by the defender after the use of his body on his opponent.”

Pressure now goes on to Rangers ahead of their game against Falkirk

With these fixtures being the last before the split, none of the top three clubs could afford to drop points.

However, with both Celtic and Hearts winning, the pressure now goes onto Rangers against Falkirk.

The Old Firm side have already failed to beat Falkirk twice this season, drawing both of their matches in the Scottish Premiership.

As a result, if points are dropped on Sunday, it would no doubt make Hearts favourites for the title once more, going into the split in the Scottish Premiership, as well as damage Rangers’ Champions League hopes.