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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Ben Banks

Hearts fight valiant Celtic battle but lose out in VAR dominated thriller - three things we learned

Celtic came out 4-3 winners in a madcap Premiership encounter with Hearts.

James Forrest followed on from his hat-trick against the Jambos' Edinburgh rivals Hibs last weekend to head the Hoops into an early lead, following a bright start from Robbie Neilson's men. It was a historic day as VAR (video assistant referee) was used in a domestic match for the first time at Tynecastle and a lengthy check had to make sure Anthony Ralston's headed effort into the bottom corner didn't stand.

More VAR dismay was to come for Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou, as a foul by Cameron Carter-Vickers was overturned from no foul to penalty, which Lawrence Shankland dispatched, and then Michael Smith's handball in the box was inexplicably not given.

They got back in front through Daizen Maeda and Giorgos Giakoumakis but not before VAR had a say again with Shankland making it a hat-trick from the spot. Greg Taylor then rose from the bench to finish off this crazy game and here is three things we learned about the Jambos display.

READ MORE: Hearts hero Colin Cameron explains 'strange' connection with Hibs favourite after football return

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Week off benefit

For the first time since the first weeks of the season, Hearts came into a match off a free week in terms of matches, meaning more time to prepare.

That showed in a big way. Neilson's side had more zest about them and certainly more energy than their depleted side have shown in recent weeks.

Shankland impact

It's a blow for the Jambos that Stephen Humphrys has been added to the injury list but what an impact his replacement made.

He scored twice from the spot and instinctively buried another chance as he showed why the club splashed out big to buy him from Beerschot in Belgium.

VAR drama

Yep, it's finally here and oh boy did it deliver on the fears people had with it. Long delays and a debatable call, any hope for a calming in refereeing scrutiny took a dent here.

Smith perhaps got away with one but there's another debate on how rules are interpreted. Then Shankland's second penalty of the day had to be retaken. It was hard to keep track, that's for sure.

READ NEXT:

- Alex Cochrane calls on Hearts to show Celtic 'no respect' and take bookings if needed

- Robbie Neilson in positive Hearts injury update ahead of Celtic test at Tynecastle

- Hearts hero Colin Cameron explains 'strange' connection with Hibs favourite after football return

- Stephen Kingsley laments Hearts injury luck as he admits 'I’ve never really seen anything like it'

- Craig Halkett and Kye Rowles Hearts injury latest as Robbie Neilson delivers 'still be out' update

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