Scotland's neutrals are turning maroon as Hearts close in on first title in 66 years
After 40 years of Old Firm dominance, it’s surely time for another team to take the title
On May 3, 1986, Hearts needed just a point against Dundee to win the club’s first Scottish league title in 26 years. But then, heartbreak – two late Dundee goals saw the game end in defeat, while a 5-0 win for Celtic over St Mirren overcame the Jambos’ superior goal difference and the title was lost.
In the three years previously, the league had been won by the ‘New Firm’ – Aberdeen twice and Dundee United once. Few at the time imagined the Old Firm dominance of Scottish football was about to reassert itself quite so dramatically. However, in the 40 years since, only Rangers or Celtic have won the title.
So with Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership – just ahead of the two Glasgow teams – as the race nears its climax, their fans will hope their 66 years of ‘hurt’ are finally coming to an end. Of course, fans of city rivals Hibs, will be equally hopeful that their side can derail those ambitions in tomorrow’s derby at Easter Road.
However, surely, for every neutral in the country, maroon is now their colour too.
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