Celtic fans storm pitch as dramatic late winner sets up sensational final day Scottish Premiership shootout with Hearts

Hearts will have to wait until the final day of the season to secure their first league title for 66 years.

Derek McInnes’ side face a title showdown away to Celtic on Saturday after a dramatic night in the Scottish Premiership.

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The league leaders could have clinched the trophy on Wednesday with a win if their nearest challengers lost to Motherwell.

However, Celtic have instead left the title race in the balance thanks to a winner in the ninth minute of stoppage-time.

It means they will go into the weekend just a point behind Hearts, who they face at Celtic Park on Saturday.

Martin O’Neill’s side had looked destined to slip up after falling behind at Fir Park during the first half.

The match was then turned on its head after goals from Daizen Maeda and Benjamin Nygren either side of half-time.

Liam Gordon’s equaliser five minutes from time appeared to have left Hearts on the brink of their first title since 1960, though.

There was still time for more drama, however, with Celtic awarded a penalty following a VAR review in the ninth minute of stoppage time.

Kelechi Iheanacho stepped up to convert and keep the title picture firmly in the balance.

His goal cued chaotic scenes in the away end as Celtic fans poured onto the pitch to celebrate the goal.

Scottish Premiership title picture

Prior to their winner, the Bhoys would have needed to win by three or more goals on Saturday to leapfrog Hearts at the top of the table.

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However, a win by any margin would now be enough to win a record 56th title.

As for Hearts, they will become the first side from outside the Old Firm to be crowned champions for 41 years with a draw.

The visitors won their previous meeting at Celtic Park this season, securing a 2-1 victory back in December.

Either Celtic or Rangers have won the league title in Scotland every season since Aberdeen’s last victory in 1985.

Hearts made to wait

Hearts are close to breaking their stranglehold on the trophy, though, after going unbeaten at home this season.

Their 3-0 win over Falkirk on Wednesday confirmed they would end the campaign without defeat at Tynecastle.

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First half goals from Frankie Kent and Cammy Devlin put them on their way to victory before Blair Spittal added a third.

News of Celtic’s late winner filtered through to Tynecastle with the Hearts players still on the pitch.

With their match having finished, a Motherwell goal would have secured their title with a game to spare.

Instead, all eyes will be on Glasgow this weekend for a straight shootout between this season’s top two.