Hearts stall Celtic´s title bid

Hearts came from behind to beat Celtic 2-1 in the Scottish Premier League at Tynecastle on Sunday, a defeat that left the Hoops four points behind leaders Rangers.

Celtic went ahead through Georgios Samaras in the 21st minute but Michael Stewart’s penalty drew the hosts level before half-time after Gary Caldwell had been sent-off for pulling down Jamie Mole in the incident that led to the spot-kick.

And although 10-man Celtic played well after the break, Ismael Bouzid’s header 24 minutes from time sealed what was only Hearts’ fourth league win of the season.

Samaras put Celtic in front after Australia’s Scott McDonald lost his marker to head a Barry Robson corner off the far post. Greek forward Samaras was quickest to react and shot low into the net from eight yards.

Glenn Loovens, though, let Hearts back into the match.

Celtic’s Dutch defender failed to chest the ball clear and as the ball fell to Mole, the striker’s heel was clipped from behind by Caldwell.

Caldwell was the last man and, having awarded a penalty, referee Willie Collum had little choice but to show a red card to the Scotland international.

Stewart confidently beat Artur Boruc from the spot.

Celtic went close to restoring their lead after the break when Aiden McGeady hit the post and Samaras saw a curling shot go narrowly wide.

Samaras also had a chance when, after McDonald dispossessed Jose Goncalves, he chipped the ball over the crossbar from 16 yards out.

Hearts, seventh in the table, then showed the Glasgow giants how to finish.

An excellent run and cross from David Templeton to the back post found Bouzid, who powered in a header from 10 yards out.

Celtic pressed for an equaliser but Hearts held on for a rare victory.