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Murray and Taylor want Hearts title win - but what do other Hibs fans think?
TL;DR
Sir Andy Murray and Josh Taylor, both Hibs fans, believe a Hearts title win would benefit Scottish football. However, many fans at the upcoming Edinburgh derby oppose this view, expressing strong criticism on social media.
Key points
- Murray and Taylor support a Hearts title win
- Hearts lead the Scottish Premiership
- Last Hearts title was in 1960
- Strong backlash from Hibs fans on social media
- Three points separate top three teams
Mentioned in this story
Andy MurrayJosh Taylor
HeartsHibsScottish PremiershipRangers
Sir Andy Murray and Josh Taylor. Two of Scotland's sporting greats, and both Hibs fans. Hibs fans who think a Hearts title win would be "a good thing" for the game.
It might be hard to find anyone in the three home stands for Sunday's Edinburgh derby at Easter Road sharing that sentiment.
Particularly based on some of the vitrol which has been directed at the tennis champion and boxer on social media since making their observations.
Hearts sit top of the Scottish Premiership with five games to go, having last been champions in 1960.
Rangers and Celtic, who have scooped up every title since 1985-86, are breathing down their necks. Three points cover the top three going into the division's split.
"I'll probably get hammered for this," two-time Wimbledon champion Murray acknowledged, before telling Sky Sports that "I think it's a good thing for Scottish football if Hearts were able to win".
"People are asking me about Scottish football - that never really happens. So there is obviously a lot of interest in it."
Taylor, Britain's first undisputed world champion in the four-belt era, said the Old Firm domination was "boring".
Writing on X, he added: "As painful as it may be as a Hibs fan, it would be good for Scottish sport/football."
But are their views in keeping with those of the wider Easter Road fanbase?
Hibs eager to 'put bee in their bonnet'
Image caption,
Josh Campbell celebrates his derby goal at Easter Road on 27 December
Hibs sit fifth, 19 points behind Hearts. David Gray's side are in a tussle with Motherwell to finish fourth, which would guarantee a place in the Conference League qualifiers.
Making up points in that mini-race is likely to be an afterthought for most supporters at the weekend, though.
When Hearts suffered final-day heartache in 1986, losing out on goal difference to Celtic, a meagre crowd at Easter Road celebrated wildly as their team fell 2-1 to Dundee United and finished eighth in a 10-team division.
Albert Kidd scored both Dundee goals that day as Hearts faltered and a decade later received the player of year accolade from a Hibs' supporters group in Australia.
"If we can put a bee in their bonnet and stop them from doing what they want to do, then that is what we want to do, naturally," Hibs defender Warren O'Hora said last week, politely picking his words.
Q&A
Why do Andy Murray and Josh Taylor think a Hearts title win is good?
Murray and Taylor believe that a Hearts title win would be beneficial for the game of Scottish football.
What is the current status of Hearts in the Scottish Premiership?
Hearts are currently at the top of the Scottish Premiership with five games remaining, aiming for their first title since 1960.
How have Hibs fans reacted to Murray and Taylor's comments?
Many Hibs fans have reacted negatively, directing vitriol towards Murray and Taylor on social media for their views.
What is the title race situation in the Scottish Premiership?
With three games left, only three points separate Hearts, Rangers, and Celtic in a tight title race.
