The Record Sport team have issued their takes for the final weekend of Premiership action
Record Sport Online
09:00, 16 May 2026
(Image: SNS Group)
Was Hearts boss Derek McInnes right to let rip at the Celtic VAR call at Fir Park?
Michael Gannon: It’s understandable McInnes will be fuming but he knows there’s been questionable calls all over the shop this season – including for Hearts. It’s a smart bit of pre-match mind games towards the officials going into the decider.
Ryan McDonald: No, he stepped out of line. Had the penalty been awarded midway through the game, would there have been so much uproar? Branding it ‘disgusting’ is hyperbolic. McInnes would do well to remember the VAR decisions his side has benefited from this season – like Lawrence Shankland’s handball at Ibrox.
Scott Burns: You can understand why. He was frustrated and was asked in the heat of the moment. It wasn’t a clear and obvious error in the Motherwell game, so VAR didn’t need to get involved. So, yes, he had every right. There is such a big prize up for grabs
Can Hearts play for a draw to bag the point that will deliver the Premiership title?
Michael Gannon: Hearts game plan won’t change too much from any other game at Parkhead. McInnes is a master when it comes to organising a team that is hard to beat while looking to strike on the counter. It’ll be more of the same and it might pay off.
Ryan McDonald: Celtic will come flying out of the traps and the atmosphere will be ferocious. Hearts will be under the cosh but they can’t defend for their lives for 90 minutes. With Shankland and Claudio Braga, they have the best frontline in the league and an early goal could flatten the mood and send anxiety levels through the roof.
Scott Burns: They can but that is too much of a risk. Hearts need to go and try to win the game. Playing for a draw is too risky. It will take a massive performance for the Jambos to clear that final hurdle, but they are capable.
Who is to blame for the botched James Tavernier goodbye at Rangers?
Michael Gannon: It’s a multi-layered mess involving the club, Danny Rohl and Tavernier. But the manager should be on top of all this stuff as communication is a huge part of the job. It’s the kind of shambles that sums up their end to the season and leaves huge questions over Rohl’s future.
Ryan McDonald: It’s a sorry ending for a player who dedicated 11 years to the club. Rangers have a history of this, with Lee Wallace and Kenny Miller ending their Ibrox careers in sour circumstances. Tavernier deserved a fitting send-off. If he was good enough to start at Celtic Park, then he should have started a dead rubber against Hibs. Worst still, there’s been no mention of a testimonial – which is the least he deserves.
James Tavernier at Ibrox(Image: SNS Group)
Scott Burns: Reading Tavernier’s statement it looks like there are faults on both sides. It didn’t need to end this way and everyone involved must take a good look at themselves, including the departing Rangers captain.
Will Steve Clarke throw in any Scotland World Cup curveballs with his squad announcement this week?
Michael Gannon: Clarke will stick to his tried and trusted so there are unlikely to be any surprises. It would be nice to see Ross Stewart in there as the frontman has been in superb form for Southampton in their promotion push.
Ryan McDonald: Ross Stewart has been in red-hot form for Southampton and must be in contention for a recall. Craig Halkett deserved to be included after an outstanding season at Hearts, but his injury could open the door to someone like Stephen Welsh, who has starred on loan at Motherwell.
Scott Burns: I think Ross Stewart at Southampton deserves a recall. He is big, fit and scoring goals. Whether Steve Clarke gives him or any other outsider a chance is probably unlikely.