NafisaA former PGMOL chief has suggested Celtic could face a ‘points deduction’ following the pitch invasion that overshadowed their Scottish Premiership title-clinching win over Hearts.
Thousands of Celtic supporters poured onto the pitch at Celtic Park on Saturday, moments after Callum Osmand’s 97th-minute goal secured the title in dramatic circumstances. However, the celebrations quickly took a dark turn as some fans appeared to confront Hearts players, who were rushed down the tunnel amid security fears.
Hearts later confirmed their players and staff were subjected to “serious physical and verbal abuse”, condemning the scenes as “deeply disturbing”, “shameful” and “unacceptable”. The club also revealed it is communicating with Police Scotland and demanded strong action.
“We expect the strongest action possible to be taken by the footballing authorities in the interests of protecting the safety of players and supporters, and the integrity of our game,” Hearts said.
Celtic have since apologised and confirmed they will fully cooperate with Police Scotland and the SPFL as investigations continue.
With the Scottish FA yet to reach a verdict, former referee chief Keith Hackett believes a replay is improbable and that sanctions could instead affect Celtic next season.
“The Scottish FA will be carrying out a review fairly quickly, I’d have thought, of what took place,” Hackett told Football Insider. “There is a series of challenges that they must find the answer to. The fans came onto the pitch when, for what they considered to be, the end of the game. Was it the end of the game?
“The standard procedure is to restart the game after a goal is scored. They’ve got to clarify if the game was officially ended, and how that conclusion was reached. Or was the invasion onto the pitch the deciding factor?
“If he didn’t blow the whistle, the Scottish FA have a difficult task. Are they going to order a replay? It’s unlikely. A dozen and one will be on planes flying across the world.”
Hackett added: “The idea of a replay is impossible. I think the leaning will be towards, potentially, a points deduction at the beginning of next season. That might be what they consider the appropriate outcome.”
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