Celtic endured a horror show at Tynecastle in a second half where they failed to rise to the occasion and former footballer and current PLZ Soccer pundit said he was gobsmacked by Celtic’s defending at Hearts’ second goal on Sunday, claiming, “Not sure I’ve ever seen anything like that in my life tbh.”
The remark followed clips of Alex Kyziridis’ strike that put Hearts 2-1 up at Tynecastle. From one angle, it looked as if Dane Murray, already having a torrid afternoon, pulled his leg out of the ball’s path as it flew past Kasper Schmeichel into the net.
The footage sparked debate among supporters. Some felt the young defender flinched or shifted out of the way. Others argued his foot moved only after the ball had passed as he adjusted to its flight. Either way, it summed up a chaotic moment in a Celtic back line that looked disorganised and hesitant all day.
26th October 2025; Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hearts versus Celtic; Dane Murray of Celtic
Murray’s afternoon could hardly have gone worse. It started with an own goal that gifted Hearts the opener and ended with the 21-year-old conceding a penalty converted by Lawrence Shankland to seal a 3-1 defeat.
For a player who has barely featured this season, it was a brutal reminder of how unforgiving top-flight football can be.
Celtic Defending
It was sloppy defending across the board. Even so, his mistakes stood out in a Celtic side already stripped of senior defenders through injury.
With Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston both sidelined, Brendan Rodgers relied on a makeshift back four that struggled from start to finish.
Murray’s confidence will need rebuilding. Rodgers now faces a major call ahead of Wednesday night’s SPFL tie against Falkirk at Celtic Park. After such a bruising display, it would be a surprise to see the youngster start again so soon.
26th October 2025; Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hearts versus Celtic; Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers speaks during the press conference after the match
Celtic’s defensive issues are mounting. Unless solutions come quickly, the gap at the top of the Premiership will only widen.
