Celtic beat 10-man Hibs 2-1 to level with Hearts

Celtic secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over 10-man Hibernian at Easter Road on Saturday, with substitute Kelechi Iheanacho scoring the decisive goal to move the defending champions level on points with Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.

Hibernian midfielder Jamie McGrath received a straight red card in the 21st minute for a reckless sliding challenge on Celtic right back Alistair Johnston, confirmed after a VAR review and on-field check by referee David Dickinson. The dismissal marked the fourth red card for Hibs in their last three league matches.

Celtic took the lead in the 41st minute when Daizen Maeda swept home a low cross from Johnston following a one-two with Benjamin Nygren. The goal stood after VAR overturned an initial offside flag against Maeda, his fourth in three games.

Hibs leveled in first-half stoppage time through captain Joe Newell, who converted a loose ball from seven yards after Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo failed to clear a free kick from Nick Cadden. A lengthy VAR review dismissed Celtic appeals over possible handball by Newell.

Manager Martin O'Neill introduced Iheanacho in the 70th minute, and the former Sevilla striker netted two minutes later....