NafisaCeltic could face a points deduction after the dramatic scenes following their goal against Hearts in the Scottish Premiership title decider.
Celtic edged Hearts to the Scottish Premiership title following their thrilling 3-1 victory at Celtic Park on Saturday.
The visitors grabbed the lead in their crucial league showdown as Lawrence Shankland headed in three minutes before half-time. But the hosts responded immediately when Arne Engels slotted home a penalty in first-half stoppage time.
Celtic left it late to secure the win as Daizen Maeda scored four minutes from time, with Callum Osmand adding a third in injury time, sparking chaotic scenes.
Supporters poured out of the stands and flooded onto the pitch after Osmand raced through to make it 3-1 in the 98th minute.
Shankland became involved in confrontations with Celtic fans as the controversial scenes overshadowed the occasion.
Ex-Scottish Football Association Chief Executive Gives Punishment Verdict:
Former Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith says Celtic should have points deducted following the pitch invasion against Hearts.
Speaking on the BBC’s Radio Scotland Breakfast, he said: “I do feel the best way to do it is that the fans know that by doing it they are getting their club punished. I think that would maybe make a difference in terms of their behaviour.”
Asked what sanctions clubs should face for pitch invasions, Smith replied: “I would say if it’s a league game they should have points deducted from them or whatever.”
Celtic Could Be Handed 2026/27 Points Deduction:
Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett believes a points deduction scenario is the most probable outcome of Celtic’s punishment verdict.
He also does not foresee a replay between Celtic and Hearts, suggesting the Scottish champions could instead have points removed at the start of next season.
“The Scottish FA will be carrying out a review fairly quickly, I’d have thought, of what took place,” he 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 general practice is to restart the game after a goal is scored. They’ve got to clarify if the game was formally ended, and how that conclusion was reached. Or was the incursion onto the pitch the deciding factor?
“If he didn’t blow the whistle, the Scottish FA have a difficult task. Are they going to issue a replay? It’s unlikely. A dozen and one will be on planes flying across the world.
“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.”
Nafisa
