In a dramatic turn of events, Hearts defender Craig McCart became an unfortunate figure in his team’s 4-1 loss to Rangers, scoring two own goals in the Scottish Premiership clash at Ibrox on Sunday. The defender’s mistakes ultimately handed Rangers a vital three points in their bid to remain at the top of the table, while McCart’s night ended in disgrace.
A Nightmare for McCart
The match was expected to be a tough challenge for both sides, but it quickly became clear that it would be a night to forget for McCart. Rangers, who have been in excellent form this season, dominated possession from the outset. However, Hearts’ defense was resolute until McCart’s unfortunate contributions turned the tide in favor of the home side.
The first own goal came in the 23rd minute when McCart, under pressure from Rangers’ forward Antonio Colak, attempted to clear a dangerous cross from the right-wing. Instead, his clearance went horribly wrong and looped over goalkeeper Craig Gordon, finding the back of the net to give Rangers a 1-0 lead.
Just 12 minutes later, disaster struck again for McCart. This time, he was caught in an awkward position trying to block a shot from Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack. His attempted clearance ricocheted off his own leg and once again flew past Gordon, doubling Rangers’ lead to 2-0. Hearts fans were left in disbelief as their team found themselves in an insurmountable position before halftime.
Rangers’ Dominance and Additional Goals
Although McCart’s own goals put Hearts on the back foot, Rangers continued to press forward with their attacking intent. In the 52nd minute, Rangers added a third through their star striker, Alfredo Morelos. The Colombian international received a well-timed pass from James Tavernier and finished calmly to make it 3-0. Morelos has been in exceptional form lately, and this goal further solidified his place as one of the league’s top scorers.
Hearts managed to pull one back in the 69th minute, with striker Liam Boyce converting a penalty after Rangers’ defender Connor Goldson was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Despite Boyce’s effort, Hearts’ comeback hopes were short-lived.
Rangers sealed the victory in the 79th minute when midfielder John Lundstram added a fourth goal. Lundstram’s powerful shot from outside the box beat Gordon to secure a comfortable 4-1 victory for the home side.
McCart’s Apology and Hearts’ Response
After the match, McCart was visibly disappointed and took to social media to apologize for his unfortunate role in the result. “I take full responsibility for the mistakes I made tonight, and I’m deeply sorry to my teammates, the club, and the fans,” McCart wrote. “It was a tough night, but I will work hard to put this behind me and do better for Hearts moving forward.”
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson, while acknowledging McCart’s errors, offered his support to the player. “It’s never easy to make mistakes like that, but it’s important to remember that football is a team game,” Neilson said in his post-match interview. “Craig has been solid for us this season, and I know he’ll bounce back. We all need to keep working together to improve.”
Rangers Maintain Pressure at the Top
With the win, Rangers remain in the hunt for the Scottish Premiership title, keeping pace with rivals Celtic. Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side showed their clinical edge and resilience, even if the game was somewhat overshadowed by McCart’s misfortune. Rangers will be hoping to carry this momentum into their next matches as they continue their push for the title.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Hearts and Rangers
For Hearts, the focus will now shift to bouncing back from this heavy defeat. While McCart’s own goals were a significant blow, the team will look to refocus and ensure they don’t let this loss define their season. With a challenging run of fixtures ahead, the Edinburgh side will need to regroup and strengthen their defense.
Meanwhile, Rangers will be pleased with their performance but will undoubtedly keep their focus on upcoming fixtures. With Celtic breathing down their necks, every point counts as they aim to maintain their place at the top of the table.
As for McCart, he will undoubtedly want to move on from this nightmarish encounter and show the Hearts faithful what he’s truly capable of in the matches to come.