Celtic expected Points Deduction Punishment that they will RECEIVE after PGMOL Chief breaks silence on Hearts Controversy at Parkhead

Celtic have been cautioned they could be hit with a points deduction ahead of next season. This follows a pitch invasion that occurred after Callum Osmand’s 97th-minute goal secured victory over Hearts, putting the title beyond the Jambos’ reach in a 3-1 triumph.

Hearts players were rushed towards the safety of the tunnel amid allegations they had been “assaulted”, later departing the stadium still in their kits before Celtic’s squad started their title celebrations.

There was confusion over whether referee Don Robertson had actually blown for full-time, with Martin O’Neill even admitting he was uncertain himself.

FIFA rules state that if a match cannot be completed because of a pitch invasion, the SFA would begin an investigation, with the fixture potentially replayed or a 3-0 victory awarded to the opposing team — which would effectively hand Hearts the league crown.

The SPFL have since confirmed that the match had officially ended, with both clubs informed of the decision to conclude proceedings before the trophy ceremony took place. However, Keith Hackett, former PGMOL chief and Premier League referee, believes additional punishment may still follow.

He told Football Insider: “The Scottish FA will be carrying out a review fairly quickly, I’d have thought, of what took place. The idea of a replay is an impossibility. I think the leaning will be towards, potentially, a points deduction at the start of next season. That might be what they consider the right outcome.”

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, former Tynecastle favourite Andy Halliday believes Hearts’ statement after the game showed an “acceptance” that the match had been completed by referee Don Robertson — as he dismissed the possibility of Derek McInnes’ side being awarded the title.

He said: “Every club in the SPFL feel they have been hard done by by refs. For me, there are some decisions that have gone in Celtic’s favour throughout the season that I disagree with, but every team feels that way.

“One thing I don’t agree with at all is that Hearts should be awarded a 3-0 victory. If there was even a smidgen that that was happening, it would have been mentioned in Hearts’ statement. That must mean that there is an acceptance that the game has ended.”