Scottish Sports Icons Back Hearts Title Bid Amid Mixed Hibs Fan Reactions
Sir Andy Murray and Josh Taylor, two of Scotland's most prominent sports figures and known supporters of Hibernian FC (Hibs), have expressed that a Hearts title win would be beneficial for Scottish football. However, this view contrasts sharply with many Hibs fans, particularly those attending the Edinburgh derby at Easter Road, who have voiced strong opposition on social media.
Currently, Hearts lead the Scottish Premiership with five matches remaining, aiming to secure their first league title since 1960. Rangers and Celtic, who have dominated the league since the 1985-86 season, remain close contenders, with only three points separating the top three teams before the league's split.
"I'll probably get hammered for this," admitted two-time Wimbledon champion Murray in an interview with Sky Sports. "I think it's a good thing for Scottish football if Hearts were able to win. People are asking me about Scottish football - that never really happens. So there is obviously a lot of interest in it."
Josh Taylor, Britain's first undisputed world champion in the four-belt era, described the Old Firm's dominance as "boring" and wrote on X, "As painful as it may be as a Hibs fan, it would be good for Scottish sport/football."
These perspectives raise the question of whether they align with the broader Hibs fanbase.
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Hibernian currently sit fifth in the league, 19 points behind Hearts. Under David Gray's management, Hibs are competing with Motherwell for fourth place, which would secure qualification for the Conference League qualifiers. However, many supporters are primarily focused on the upcoming derby match rather than the points race.
Reflecting on historical context, when Hearts narrowly missed the title on goal difference to Celtic in 1986, a modest crowd at Easter Road celebrated as Hearts lost 2-1 to Dundee United, finishing eighth in a 10-team division. Albert Kidd, who scored both goals for Dundee that day, was later honored by a Hibs supporters group in Australia.
"If we can put a bee in their bonnet and stop them from doing what they want to do, then that is what we want to do, naturally," said Hibs defender Warren O'Hora last week, carefully choosing his words.
Hearts have struggled on the road recently, earning only one point from their last four away matches. Hibs won the most recent derby at Easter Road, a 3-2 match in December, despite missing an early opportunity to extend their lead to 4-0 and ultimately holding on to the victory.
Last season, Hibs remained unbeaten at home against Hearts, recording a win and a draw, while Hearts have won only one of their last seven league visits to Easter Road.
"Sunday is a big one," Murray added. "That is Hibs' chance to dent their hopes. I hope Hibs win that, obviously."
Hibs Fans Express Diverse Opinions on Hearts' Title Prospects
Football rivalries often involve a degree of schadenfreude, prompting inquiry into whether Murray and Taylor's views resonate with Hibs supporters or if they are out of touch. To explore this, a question was posed to fans: "Would you like to see Hearts win the league?" Below are selected responses.
Brian: "I always said that I'd like for someone outside the Old Firm to win the league, but now that there's a real possibility of Hearts winning it, I realise that I meant anyone but them!"
Neil: "I don't think Hearts need to win the league to improve Scottish football. The fact the Old Firm haven't run away with it this season is good enough. The main thing is to create more of a level playing field, which is what has happened this season at least. Hearts are in with a shout but the last thing I want is for them to win it!! Hearts winning the league would be to Hibs fans what 1966 is to Scotland fans."
Rob: "It would be good for Scottish football for someone out with the Old Firm to win. But personally don't care if Hearts do it, tbh."
Additional Fan Perspectives
George: "As a Hibby, I come from the same place as Andy Murray. We need to beat them this coming weekend in order to progress our hope for European football next season. However, that said, it would be great to see the Old Firm hold on Scottish football broken, even if only for one year, because they will buy their way back to the top as they continue to out-earn the rest of Scottish clubs."
Murray: "I think it's a bit sad that most Hibs fans would rather see Celtic or Rangers win the league. Anybody but the Old Firm is my motto and still is as a lifelong Hibs fan. Hearts winning would shake things up, it would also pull Hibs up to improve."
Iain: "Yes and no! Nice to see someone else win league, think Hearts have done well but unfortunately let themselves down recently. Rangers to win I think."
Gary: "Absolutely not. It's been a long time since Rangers won it so talk of 'Old Firm dominance' is a bit skewed when it's really just been Celtic winning it, bar once, for the last dozen plus years. So I'd far rather see Rangers winning it again than Hearts, if we are just hoping for a change."
Mark: "It's quite embarrassing for Scotland that only two teams have won the league in over forty years, but, obviously, Hearts are the last team any Hibby would want to win it instead. However, if Hearts breaking through the glass ceiling leads to other teams, especially Hibs, winning the league in the near future, it might be good for everyone in the long run. Scotland needs more big teams, with bigger stadiums, putting in a challenge."
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