Hart says 's****bag' as Shankland avoids Hearts vs Celtic pen

The Jambos were awarded a controversial spot-kick after Tomoki Iwata was punished for handball. 

On-field referee Don Robertson did not initially give the decision, however, after being advised by VAR John Beaton to review the incident at the pitchside monitor, a penalty was awarded.

Jorge Grant stepped up to slam the ball home, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead towards the end of the first-half encounter.

????️ "Hearts may not be in this title race but they could be having a say in it!"

Jorge Grant puts the home side in front against Celtic after VAR awarded a penalty for handball. What are your thoughts on the incident? ???? pic.twitter.com/8rdUVTHYwO

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) March 3, 2024

But in some apparent mind games before the goal, Celtic keeper Hart seemed to try get in Shankland's head, as the 26-goal striker passed over the scoring responsibilities to his teammate from 12 yards.

As Hart realised it was Grant who would step up and not Shankland, the ex-England No.1 looked in Shankland's direction, pointed, and laughed. The Sky Sports cameras then seemingly caught him mouthing the word 's****bag' in his direction.

It was an action-packed first 45 in Gorgie as Hearts took in a 1-0 lead at half time. 

It could've been two, with Shankland scoring deep into first-half stoppage time, however, VAR found that the Scotland international was offside when he struck the ball.

He would go on to score Hearts' second just before the hour-mark with a textbook first-time finish.

READ MORE: Callum McGregor Celtic injury length detailed by Brendan Rodgers

Celtic had an early penalty of their own when Alex Cochrane tumbled over Yang. It looked a soft decision too, but in-form Adam Idah saw his penalty saved by Zander Clark.

The aforementioned players were then involved in a further incident when Yang was sent off for a high boot on Cochrane. 

While the South Korean only had eyes for the ball and certainly didn't have intent to hurt the Hearts defender, his studs connected with the face of the player.

Celtic could go top of the Premiership with a win over Hearts today after Rangers lost against Motherwell on Saturday.