Hearts held by Motherwell as title race tightens
Hearts stretched its lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to four points over Celtic with a nervy 1-1 draw at Motherwell but was left frustrated after being denied a penalty in the second half.
The Edinburgh club is inching towards a first title in 66 years and could become the first club other than Celtic or Rangers to be crowned champion since 1985.
Victory would have put Hearts six points clear of Celtic, which hosts Old Firm rival Rangers on Sunday. Hearts welcomes Falkirk in midweek, when Celtic is at Motherwell, before going to Celtic on the final day next weekend.
Hearts fell behind for the fifth game in succession through Stephen Kingsley's own goal in the 25th minute.
But the visitors hit back before half-time with Lawrence Shankland slotting home a rebound after Michael Steinwender's volley was parried into his path.
Hearts was convinced it should have had a penalty in the second half when substitute Alexandros Kyziridis appeared to be clipped by Tawanda Maswanhise at a corner.
Referee Steven McLean was instructed to watch a replay of the incident by the video assistant referee (VAR) but declined to give a spot-kick.
"I thought it was a penalty, the referee had a poor game tonight," Hearts manager Derek McInnessaid.
"It's so important he gets that right. Why would Kyziridis go down? It's a terrible decision."
Hearts also suffered two injury blows with midfielder Marc Leonard and defender Craig Halkett both going off with achilles tendon injuries that will rule them out for the rest of the season.
If it beats Falkirk, though, Hearts will go to Celtic next weekend knowing it will be champion if it avoids defeat.
