The build-up to Celtic’s trip to Easter Road has been dominated by a debate that has split opinion, with suggestions Hibernian could benefit from losing drawing a strong response.
With Hearts also in the title race, the idea has come from a rivalry angle rather than anything on the pitch. It centres on whether a result against Celtic could indirectly shape where the title ends up.
Ryan Stevenson was quick to challenge Tam McManus’ comments. Speaking from a player’s point of view, he pushed back on the suggestion and focused on how dressing rooms operate going into a game.
From his perspective, the idea doesn’t carry into match day. Preparation, selection, and pride in performance all point in one direction once the whistle goes.
He said: (Daily Record), “That’s an outrageous statement from Tam.
“You just can’t say that. You’re questioning people’s integrity.
“I get that Hibs fans don’t want to see Hearts lift the league trophy. So don’t turn the TV on or read the papers for the next six months.
“I know David (Gray) and the Hibs players are all professionals. As a player, when you wake up on a Saturday morning your first thought is to win – regardless of the situation.
“For Tam to say that, it’s outrageous from an ex-player.
“It’s about your personal pride. You’d never want to go on to a pitch, when fans have paid to watch you and you’re representing a club, to get beat.
“I’ve never come across that in all my years involved in football.
“And I could never imagine boys in a dressing-room saying: ‘It doesn’t really matter if we win or lose here today’.
McManus, speaking from a supporter’s perspective rather than a dressing room one, offered a different take on how the situation could be viewed.
“The former player in me says David Gray and his men will give their all. Of course they will look to get a result.
“But the punter in me? He says let Celtic win! He says don’t do anything that might improve the Jambos’ chances of clinching the title.
“No-one wants to see their team lose. But then again, who wants to see their oldest foes win a title?
“That’s what being a football fan is all about: hoping to see your team succeed and your rivals fail.
“So yes, I want Hearts to choke. I want them to fail at the final hurdle.
“If Hibs lying down to Celtic helps in that endeavour, so be it.”
The split comes down to perspective. Stevenson is focused on what happens inside the dressing room. Players still have their own targets, and performance levels don’t switch off because of results elsewhere.
Once the game starts, though, it becomes about shape, discipline, and taking chances. Hibs will still need to deal with Celtic’s press and movement.
That’s where the debate sits. One side is built on how football is played, the other on how it is felt.
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