THE SPFL have confirmed Celtic’s 3-1 title win over Hearts at Parkhead yesterday was NOT abandoned.
The game finished on a controversial note after Callum Osmand netted the champions’ third goal in the eighth minute of stoppage-time that sparked a pitch invasion.
The Edinburgh side claim some of their players were threatened in the melee. In the midst of the unruly scenes, referee Don Robertson signalled full-time.
There were erroneous reports that the match had been brought to a premature halt with some time still to be played.
At that stage, Martin O’Neill’s men were assured of the victory – and a fifth successive championship – following a fightback from a goal down after Lawrence Shankland had headed the visitors into the lead in the 43rd minute following a right-wing corner-kick.
PITCH INVASION…celebrating fans race onto the field at the end.
Arne Engels levelled moments later from the penalty spot following a clear handball from Alexandros Kyzaridis after a left-wing delivery from Kieran Tierney.
Daizen Maeda struck with the second goal in the 87th minute although the Japanese ace and all of a Celtic persuasion faced an agonising wait for VAR to okay the strike after touchline official David Roome had mistakenly flagged for offside.
And Osmand, playing his first game in over six months, broke away to roll in No.3 which triggered fans making their way onto the pitch.
Scottish football’s governing body has now responded and an SPFL spokesperson, speaking on X, said: “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.
VICTORY PARADE…Martin O’Neill and his triumphant Celtic players acknowledge the fans.
“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.”
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