Martin O'Neill insists everyone wants Hearts to lift the title as his side prepares for Saturday’s Scottish Premiership showdown. Defending champions Celtic host Hearts at 12:30 BST, needing a win to leapfrog them into first place. A draw or victory for Hearts would hand the league trophy to Tynecastle for the first time since 1960, raising the stakes dramatically. Fans expect a tense battle.

The controversy stems from Motherwell’s 2‑2 draw, where Sam Nicholson’s challenge on Auston Trusty prompted a VAR check and a penalty awarded to Celtic. Kelechi Iheanacho converted, while Hearts boss Derek McInnes called the decision “disgusting.” O'Neill backed the referee, saying the handball was clear and urging a summer review of hand‑ball interpretations across Europe. The incident reignited debate over consistency.

A win would give O'Neill his ninth trophy in charge, as Celtic then face Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final on 23 May. Returning for a second interim spell, the former manager has already guided the club to three league titles and multiple cups in his earlier tenure. With home advantage and a charged atmosphere, Celtic must secure all three points.