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'Everybody wants Hearts to win', says Celtic's O'Neill ahead of title decider
TL;DR
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill acknowledges that many are rooting for Hearts to win in the upcoming title decider. A victory for Hearts would end a 41-year dominance of Celtic and Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
Key points
- Celtic faces Hearts in a title decider
- Martin O'Neill acknowledges support for Hearts
- Hearts could end 41-year dominance of Celtic and Rangers
Mentioned in this story
Martin O'Neill
CelticHeartsScottish Premiership
Martin O'Neill's Celtic face Hearts in a title decider on Saturday (ANDY BUCHANAN)
(ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP/AFP)
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill believes the whole world is hoping his side do not retain the Scottish Premiership on Saturday as Hearts aim to shatter the Old Firm's stranglehold.
Hearts will become the first side in 41 years to end the dominance of Celtic and Rangers if they avoid defeat at Parkhead.
Victory for the Hoops would secure a 14th title in 15 years, but their task would have been much tougher but for a controversial late penalty to beat Motherwell 3-2 on Wednesday.
Without a late winner, Celtic would have needed to win by three goals due to Hearts' superior goal difference.
The decision sparked uproar well beyond the normal confines of Scottish football, with former England striker Gary Lineker branding it arguably the "worst VAR decision" ever.
O'Neill reiterated his belief the spot-kick was correctly awarded for handball by Sam Nicholson, but said he is not surprised by the outcry.
"It's obviously been magnified I think because of the occasion as much as anything else," said the 74-year-old at his pre-match press conference.
"Am I surprised? No, I'm not surprised because everybody wants Hearts to win. It's really simple as that.
"Everybody outside Celtic and the Celtic diaspora wants Hearts to win."
O'Neill has twice taken interim charge during a chaotic season on and off the field for the Scottish champions.
Brendan Rodgers departed in October in acrimonious circumstances after disagreements with the club's board over a lack of investment in the squad.
Wilfried Nancy then lasted just 33 days after losing six of his eight games in charge.
But Celtic have hit form just in time to stay in the title race with six consecutive league wins.
"We've woken up, we're a better side, and now got a bit more confidence about ourselves as well too," added O'Neill.
"I'm really looking forward to it now and why shouldn't we? It's a big, big game naturally. We have to win it, Hearts don't.
Q&A
What does Martin O'Neill say about Hearts' chances against Celtic?
Martin O'Neill believes that many people want Hearts to win and end Celtic's title reign.
When is the title decider between Celtic and Hearts?
The title decider between Celtic and Hearts is scheduled for Saturday.
How long has Celtic and Rangers dominated the Scottish Premiership?
Celtic and Rangers have dominated the Scottish Premiership for 41 years.
