Hearts thought they had it easy on title showdown day – Marcelo Saracchi | OneFootball

Former Celtic loan hero Marcelo Saracchi has given his take on the last day title drama at Celtic Park back in May, and offered his take on the ‘controversy’…

Cameron Devlin of Heart of Midlothian reacts after conceding a third goal scored by Callum Osmand of Celtic (not pictured) during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park on May 16, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Uruguayan who played a significant part in the dramatic late win over Hearts after appearing as a second hand substitute had a few notable run-ins with Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, and in the aftermath of the title win, posted a social media image of himself right in the face of the Hearts skipper, a moment that upset many of the right folk in the Scottish game.

16.05.2026 Celtic v Hearts, Scottish Premiership. Marcelo Saracchi, Paulo Bernardo and Michel-Ange Balikwisha celebrate. Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO / News Licensing

“They came into the game thinking they had it easy”

Saracchi told Daily Record:  “No! No story behind that. It felt like something that was just part of the match, part of the moment, and part of the rivalry. They came into the game thinking they had it easy.

“But at the same time, they have to understand that Celtic is a big club with rich history and with a great team. So it was just part of the moment, part of the rivalry.”

He described the dramatic last-day win as one of his best moments in football.

Marcelo  said: “It’s always a different feeling, different emotion, and different responsibility when the title is on the line. Obviously, when you come into that game, you’ve got to think of the game differently. It’s not just like any other game.

Heart of Midlothian players are seen at full time as Celtic fans invade the pitch during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park on May 16, 2026 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“We had chances earlier in the season to secure the title but it didn’t happen. But it happened at the end of the season. And coming onto the field, scoring those goals, and winning that game was one of the best moments.

“It was a feeling I’ve never felt before with the fans behind me and cheering me on. It was a pretty good feeling, especially when you come into the game late in the match.”

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…

Celtic in the Fifties by Matt Corr, in two volumes, both published on 4th September 2026 by Celtic Star Books. Click on image to order.

Quick Tip – Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!