GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 16: Hearts' Lawrence Shankland (L) and Celtic's Marcelo Saracchi during a William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park, on May 16, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)
In what he knew would be his last appearance for Hearts Lawrence Shankland wanted to go out in glory.
With his move to Ibrox all lined up he could join his new club as the ultimate hero. The Hearts skipper than denied Celtic the SPFL title on the final day of the season.
Celtic Park hosted the most dramatic shoot-out of the century.
A win or draw for Hearts and they would become champions of Scotland for the first time in 66 years.
Derek McInnes and Shankland were certainly fired up. The Hearts boss had described a deliberate handball in a match not involving his team as disgusting.
Shankland headed Hearts into the lead in the 42nd minute. The dream was on.
Arne Engels equalised with a penalty two minutes later. At half-time Hearts were on course to win the SPFL title.
Shankland????? https://t.co/O8tCB3zlLk
— JoeBhoy (@JoeBhoy16) June 2, 2026
Shankland darts to the left after Spittal’s free kick is blocked, as McGregor passes to Callum Osmand he sinks, a broken-hearted Jambo.
Despite the efforts of David Roome to disallow a strike from Daizen Maeda VAR overturned the hopeful flag for offside to give Celtic an 87th minute lead.
THE FREE KICK THAT BROKE THE HEART OF SHANKLAND
Referee Don Robertson found eight minutes of stoppage time. One more goal from Shankland would have killed Celtic off.
In the seventh minute of stoppage time Hearts were awarded a free kick.
Blair Spittal was to deliver it into the penalty box, Shankland was poised for glory. Within 10 seconds of the free kick being taken there was a goal- Osmand ran the ball into the empty net. The two players closest to him were Kelechi Iheanacho and James Forrest!
Callum McGregor was pivotal. He blocked the free kick from Spittal, he did the same as Cammy Devlin.
And with the second block the fate of the title was sealed.
Shankland’s knees buckled. He sank down watching his worst nightmare.
Three Celtic players racing towards goal. Fifty-nine thousand fans going crazy.
After 250 days in top place Hearts were finishing runners-up to Celtic.
There was to be no trophy lifting farewell from Shankland.
A week later word got out of his intentions. His move to Ibrox was completed, he arrived without the glory of having denied Celtic the SPFL Premiership title.


Was Shankland in discussions to leave the club he was captaining? The most crucial time of the most crucial season?
While the fans were having sleepless nights dreaming of glory, Big Lar was dreaming of scoring against them next season! ?
Good ol loyal shanks-off to the wangers …good luck with that heavy loaded, pressurised, full metal blueish, unfortunate jacket/top..!!
Shankillland off to Liebrox then…
It’s where he wants to be according to a neighbor anyway…
I’d rather have had him at Parkhead to be honest…
Can only hope he’s another Miovski at Parkhead !
Clachnacuddin and the Hoops @ 12.31am…
(Last line)…
Can only hope he’s another Miovski at LIEBROX !