Celtic dashed Hearts’ Scottish Premiership dreams as Daizen Maeda’s late VAR-assisted winner helped the hosts secure a 3-1 victory in the title decider at Celtic Park
Celtic crushed Hearts’ Scottish Premiership aspirations in stunning circumstances as Daizen Maeda’s controversial late strike, confirmed by VAR, sealed a decisive 3-1 triumph in the championship showdown.
The Edinburgh side looked set to end the four-decade dominance of the Old Firm until Maeda found the net in the 87th minute.
His joy appeared short-lived as the assistant referee’s flag was raised for offside – however, a swift VAR check revealed the Japanese attacker was level, igniting euphoric scenes among the Celtic Park faithful.
Hearts committed bodies forward for a set-piece deep into eight additional minutes, but Celtic countered and 20-year-old replacement Callum Osmand finished into an unguarded goal to rubber-stamp their fifth consecutive championship.
Lawrence Shankland had nodded the visitors ahead in the 43rd minute, before Arne Engels equalised from the spot in first-half injury time.
Meanwhile, on the final matchday for the top-six clubs, 10-man Motherwell guaranteed European qualification with a 1-0 triumph at Easter Road courtesy of Lukas Fadinger’s 35th-minute effort.
Hibernian failed to find a response despite Elliot Watt’s dismissal, and their continental ambitions now depend on Celtic claiming the Scottish Cup.
Youssef Chermiti bagged a treble as third-placed Rangers concluded their season with a 5-2 victory at Falkirk, halting their four-match losing run.
More to follow. . .
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