Hearts must run Celtic gauntlet to claim historic Scottish title

Hearts are one game away from a first league title since 1960 (ANDY BUCHANAN)

(ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP/AFP)

Hearts are on the brink of breaking Scottish football's glass ceiling but must emerge undefeated away to Celtic on Saturday to end a 66-year wait to win the title.

A dramatic season is set for a thrilling finale after a controversial 99th-minute penalty handed Celtic victory at Motherwell on Wednesday.

The defending champions are just one point behind Hearts and know that victory will deliver a 14th title in 15 seasons.

No side other than Celtic and Rangers have been crowned champions for 41 years.

Hearts have led the almost all season long, taking advantage of turmoil on both sides of the Old Firm divide in Glasgow.

Aided by the arrival of Brighton owner Tony Bloom and his heralded data analytics program, the Jambos have overcome a huge financial disparity to challenge Celtic's domestic dominance.

And the latest twist in the title race has added extra spice to a one-game shootout for the title.

Without a late winner, Celtic would have needed to win by three goals on Saturday due to Hearts' superior goal difference.

"It's actually quite disgusting, to be honest," said Hearts boss Derek McInnes after Kelechi Iheanacho's spot-kick earned Celtic a 3-2 win at Motherwell.

"It feels like us against everybody."

Replays proved inconclusive as to whether Motherwell's Sam Nicholson's raised arm had made contact with the ball in the box.

Former England striker Gary Lineker labelled the call possibly the "worst VAR decision I've seen".

Fan-owned Hearts said in a statement on Thursday they are "extremely concerned" by decisions in recent matches and have sought explanations from the football authorities.

The possibility of being usurped by Celtic down the final straight is an all too familiar tale for Hearts fans who remember a similar story when they last came close to winning the league in 1985/86.