Beau Reus Says Hearts Still Feel Wronged by Celtic Title Loss

Heart of Midlothian's disappointment over losing the Scottish Premiership title to Celtic remains a sensitive subject inside the dressing room, according to goalkeeper Beau Reus, who joined the Edinburgh club in the summer. The Belgian, 24, said teammates still believe they were treated unfairly after their championship challenge collapsed on the final day of last season at Celtic Park.

Hearts entered the decisive match at the top of the table knowing a draw would secure the championship. However, despite Lawrence Shankland giving them the lead, the team lost 3-1 to Celtic, managed by Martin O'Neill, surrendering the opportunity to claim the title.

Reus was not part of the Hearts squad during last season's campaign. His assessment comes from conversations with teammates rather than firsthand experience of the title race, a distinction he acknowledged when discussing the controversy in an interview published by the Daily Record on October 10, 2026.

Reus said the subject had largely been left unaddressed within the club but that players shared a sense of injustice.

"It has been swept under the rug. Everyone feels the same way about it - that they were screwed over."

The goalkeeper also referred to events surrounding Celtic's victory over Motherwell shortly before the title decider. According to the Daily Record, then-Hearts manager Derek McInnes was angered by a late penalty awarded to Celtic in that match and subsequently received a touchline ban at his new club, Rangers, after describing the decision as "disgusting".

Reus cautioned that his understanding of the disputed incidents came from what others had told him, rather than personal observation.

"From what I’ve heard, some things went very strangely, but I can’t say anything about that with 100% certainty, because I wasn’t there. It remains a sensitive issue."

Former Hearts midfielder Rudi Skacel also expressed disappointment over the outcome, having spent time around McInnes' squad during the closing stages of the title race. Speaking to the Daily Record, Skacel said he believed the team had the mentality and cohesion required to win the championship.

"I think they deserve to win. I had a chance to see the team train and I spoke with the gaffer. I feel like the team looked strong mentally.

They have a good relationship among them. I think they deserve to win."

Skacel described the defeat as particularly painful because Hearts had appeared capable of completing the task before Celtic's comeback. He said the result affected him personally and also represented a setback for the wider Scottish game.

"Unfortunately, they didn't. When they came back from Celtic Park, I felt sick. I bumped my heart like I was one of them there.

I was really disappointed. I think it was a big loss for Scottish football as well."

The former midfielder went further in his criticism of the champions, questioning whether Celtic deserved the title after the dramatic conclusion to the campaign.

Skacel said Celtic "doesn't deserve to win a championship".

Beyond the lingering title controversy, Reus said he had settled well since joining Hearts as a replacement for departing goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow. He also described adapting to Scottish football as a physical challenge, with stronger opponents and more demanding duels prompting him to increase his gym work and follow a specific nutrition plan.

Reus is also anticipating a reunion with Marink Reedijk, his former coach at Beveren, when Hearts face Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup semifinal at Hampden Park later in October. Reedijk has since taken charge of Hearts' Edinburgh rivals, setting up a meeting between the two clubs.