NafisaTHE SPFL have confirmed Celtic’s 3-1 title triumph over Hearts at Parkhead yesterday was NOT abandoned.
The match concluded in controversial fashion after Callum Osmand scored the champions’ third goal in the eighth minute of stoppage-time, which sparked a pitch invasion.
The Edinburgh club allege some of their players were intimidated during the chaos. Amid the disorderly scenes, referee Don Robertson signalled full-time.
There had been inaccurate reports suggesting the game had been stopped early with time still remaining to be played.
At that point, Martin O’Neill’s side had already secured the win — and a fifth consecutive title — following a comeback from a goal behind after Lawrence Shankland had nodded the visitors ahead in the 43rd minute from a right-wing corner.
Arne Engels equalised shortly afterwards from the penalty spot following a clear handball from Alexandros Kyzaridis after a left-wing cross from Kieran Tierney.
Daizen Maeda then grabbed the second goal in the 87th minute although the Japanese forward and everyone connected with Celtic endured a nervous wait for VAR to approve the strike after assistant referee David Roome had incorrectly raised his flag for offside.
Osmand, making his first appearance in over six months, then raced through to slot home No.3, triggering supporters to make their way onto the pitch.
Scottish football’s governing body has now issued a response, with an SPFL spokesperson saying on X: “Firstly, we send our congratulations to Celtic on winning the William Hill Premiership in the most exciting of circumstances and send our commiserations to everyone at Heart of Midlothian following an incredible campaign.
“We would also like to thank the referee and his excellent team of match officials for their cool heads on such a dramatic day.
“Given the speculation about the conclusion of the game, we would like to make clear that, prior to awarding the trophy, we were informed by the match referee that the match had ended and had not been abandoned.
“Yesterday’s match showed off the very best of the Scottish game and the drama and excitement that it is rightly famed for. The eyes of the world were on Glasgow and the climax of the William Hill Premiership, with millions of viewers watching the match on Sky Sports and across the globe.
“However, we utterly condemn the scenes which saw a number of Celtic supporters encroach onto the field of play. We await the report of our match delegate regarding any specific incidents that took place but, regardless, supporters entering the field of play in any circumstances is wholly unacceptable and puts those participating and working at a match at risk.
“We note that entering the pitch in England and Wales has been a criminal offence since 1991. We urge anyone with information about any alleged criminal activity to contact Police Scotland.”
Nafisa
