Celtic’s 69-game unbeaten domestic run was ended in emphatic style as they were stunned 4-0 by Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.
The defeat at Tynecastle is the champions’ first domestic loss since a 2-1 reverse at St Johnstone on 11 May 2016 – 585 days ago – and Brendan Rodgers’ first as Celtic manager against Scottish opposition.
The streak began under Rodgers’ predecessor Ronny Deila when Motherwell were thrashed 7-0 on the final day of the 2015-16 season.
In beating St Johnstone 4-0 in early November, Celtic surpassed their own 100-year-old British record of 62 domestic games without defeat.
Celtic, who Rodgers led to the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and Scottish League treble last season, remain top of the league table by two points, with a game in hand over second-placed Aberdeen.
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Hearts had not scored three or more goals in a league match since a 4-0 thumping of Hamilton Academical in March.
Brendan Rodgers speaks to @CelticTV following today’s defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle. pic.twitter.com/C4u4ca9IhJ
— Celtic Football Club (@celticfc) December 17, 2017
Levein’s men have conceded just 19 league goals this season, four more than Celtic, who have the best defensive record in Scotland’s top flight.
Sixteen-year-old Harry Cochrane and former Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty slammed home first-half goals as Hearts dominated the early skirmishes at Tynecastle.
Manuel Milinkovic seized on a dreadful error from Jozo Simunovic to prod in a third early in the second half.
Celtic piled forward, but it was Hearts who struck again, Milinkovic netting from the penalty spot.
Rodgers’ side may well go onto claim the Premiership title but on this day they were given a football lesson by a dogged and devastating Hearts, who were in no way flattered by the 4-0 scoreline.
