Hearts fans have been venting their frustration at a VAR penalty decision that could cost their team their first league title for 66 years, with one saying their team has had “everything thrown against them”.
The league leaders kept their title hopes alive by beating Falkirk 3-0 at Tynecastle on Wednesday – but rivals Celtic were awarded a contentious spot-kick deep in time added on at Fir Park, which Kelechi Iheanacho converted to snatch his side a 3-2 win.
The result means Hearts will be crowned Scottish champions only if they avoid defeat at Celtic Park on Saturday.
Reflecting on the result over a drink at Stratford’s Bar on Gorgie Road on Thursday, lifelong Hearts fan Jim O’Donnell said there was “no way” Celtic’s match-winning penalty should have been awarded.
“Even if it did hit his hand, his hand was pushed up by (Auston) Trusty’s shoulder,” the 64-year-old said.
“If it doesn’t hit his hand it hits his forehead, so it’s not denying a goal.
“I don’t understand how VAR can look at that and clearly see – when I’ve looked at it numerous times they’ve showed it, and you can’t see – that they can clearly see on their cameras that it’s a penalty.”
Asked how he would feel if the penalty ended up costing Hearts the title, Mr O’Donnell said he would “just accept it”.
“The SFA (Scottish Football Association) obviously don’t want anybody outside the Old Firm winning the league, even though I think it’s been the best thing, it’s got the most television coverage around the world,” he said.
“People are seeing us thinking how good it is. And then they see that and think, well, maybe it’s just corruption for the Old Firm”.
However, he remained optimistic his team could secure a positive result against the Hoops on Saturday.
“I don’t see any reason why you can’t go to Parkhead and beat Celtic. They’re nothing great,” he said.
Mr O’Donnell’s optimism was not shared by fellow Hearts fan Jason King, who travelled up from St Alban’s to go to Wednesday’s match against Falkirk.
The 53-year-old had originally planned to stay until Sunday for what he hoped would be the victory parade – but said he has now decided to return down south.
“It already feels like it’s possibly gone,” he said.
“I know Celtic haven’t beaten us this season, but you’re going away to Parkhead. It feels like they don’t want us to win it.”
He also described Wednesday’s victory over Falkirk as “feeling like a defeat” thanks to Celtic’s late goal.
“It just felt we should be celebrating the 3-0 win and where we are,” he said.
“But it was just so flat coming out, because obviously everybody heard what happened on 99 minutes.”
Even fans of other clubs have got behind Hearts’ push for the league title.
St Johnstone supporter Finlay McCall said he will be cheering them on as he wants to see someone other than Celtic or Rangers win it for the first time in more than four decades.
Asked for his views on the penalty, he said it was “very harsh” – but that he could see why it was awarded.
“I wouldn’t give the penalty, but you’re putting it in the hands of the referees,” he said.
“When you slow it down, it looks bad. It’s hit his hand first, and then he’s headed it – so realistically, I can’t blame them for giving it.”
However, the 21-year-old said it would be “heart-breaking” if the penalty ends up costing Hearts the title.
“It’s very, very silly – and if it comes down to that, it’s disappointing for Scottish football.”
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge was among those throwing his support behind Hearts ahead of Saturday’s league decider.
“Hearts have had such a great season, bringing so much joy, excitement and inspiration to their fans and to the wider community,” he said.
He added: “Not only would it be their first league triumph since 1960, they would also be the first club outside the Old Firm to do so for over 40 years.
“How wonderful if would be if the team ending that run and bringing the trophy home was an Edinburgh club. Go on the Jam Tarts.”
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