Photo via Sky Sports

Boyd criticises Hearts’ ‘lack of respect’ as Celtic deliver ‘wake-up call’

Celtic delivered a crushing 7-1 victory over Hearts at Celtic Park, extending their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a performance that left little doubt about their dominance. The Hoops, who had previously denied Hearts the title last season, took control early with goals from Kieran Tierney and Benjamin Nygren inside the first 10 minutes, before Callum Osmand and Camilo Duran added to their lead in a relentless first-half display.

Hearts, who had only conceded eight league goals prior to this match, struggled to contain Celtic’s attack, with manager Wouter Vrancken’s side failing to show the necessary respect or defensive discipline. Celtic’s front three—Nygren, Osmand, and Duran—each scored, while the team’s ruthless efficiency exposed Hearts’ vulnerabilities, leaving them four points behind Rangers in third place and eight behind the league leaders.

Former Hearts defender Ryan McGowan noted the stark contrast in quality, highlighting Hearts’ repeated errors that handed Celtic multiple scoring opportunities. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill’s side now sit four points clear at the top, while Hearts face a stark wake-up call after a performance that saw them humiliated by their title rivals.

Up nextFootball· 17m ago

Neville delivers Carrick warning after Man Utd 'stepping stone' performance