Joe Hart’s favourite away ground is back on the Premiership map next season, but it comes with a catch.
With Livingston sealing promotion in dramatic fashion, the number of artificial surfaces in Scotland’s top flight will rise to three.
The West Lothian side staged an incredible second-leg comeback against Ross County to secure their return to the top tier. Trailing 3-1 on aggregate at one point in Dingwall, David Martindale’s men produced a stunning late surge to win 4-2 on the night and 5-3 overall.
Lewis Smith kicked things off, slaloming past three defenders to score and breathe life into the tie. Danny Wilson then nodded in from a set-piece to level matters before Robbie Muirhead curled in a beauty from the flank. Tete Yengi put the seal on it deep into stoppage time, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling support.
With Falkirk already promoted, and Kilmarnock retaining their place, it means the top flight will now feature three clubs playing on plastic surfaces.
Celtic’s Joe Hart famously named the Tony Macaroni Arena as his favourite away ground in Scottish football. He told CeltsAreHere in April 2024, “I can’t get away from Livi away,” smiling as he added, “I do love Livi away. I think for everything that it is — it’s a plastic pitch, it’s a tough game, but the fact there are like four-fifths Celtic fans, the atmosphere is electric. It really just feels special.
“This place speaks for itself [Celtic Park], but Livi away will live long in the memory.”
This past season, Rugby Park was the only venue with a plastic pitch. Next term, the Premiership will have three.
