CELTIC have congratulated Martin O’Neill, his backroom staff and the players after the team’s momentous title triumph.
The champions had been written off by many with the flag seemingly heading to Edinburgh or across Glasgow, but seven successive victories achieved the Hoops’ fifth successive championship.
It was also a landmark triumph with Celtic now lifting a record FIFTY-SIX crowns in a truly extraordinary campaign with a remarkable crescendo.
O’Neill’s men went into the top-six split following a 1-0 win over St Mirren at Parkhead where Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain claimed the only goal of a tense encounter.
SILVER CELTS…Martin O’Neill with the Premiership trophy.
The momentum saw the team overcome Falkirk (3-1), Hibs (2-1), Rangers (3-1) and Motherwell (2-1) before they faced up to leaders Hearts at Parkhead on Saturday.
Derek McInnes’ side arrived with a one-point advantage and edged closer to their first title success since 1960 when Lawrence Shankland headed them into the lead.
The hosts quickly countered and levelled through an Arne Engels penalty-kick after a left-wing cross had been handled by Alexandros Kyzaridis.
Following an agonising wait after an erroneous offside call from a touchline assistant, Daizen Meada’s 87th-minute still was declared good by VAR and Parkhead erupted in joy.
Eight minutes into stoppage-time, Callum Osmand, making his first appearance since November, rolled in a third goal to make sure the crown remained in the east of Glasgow.
Unfortunately, there were regrettable scenes as fans invade the pitch as referee Don Robertson signalled the end of the contest.
Celtic issued the following statement: “Everyone at the Club congratulates Martin, our players and all our staff on delivering the club’s 56th Scottish league title and a thrilling climax to the season backed by a magnificent support.
“We thank Celtic fans for everything they have done to help the team over the line.
“The Club regrets that our victory over Hearts was followed by a number of individuals entering the field of play.
“We again emphasise that there is no justification for this behaviour which, for the vast majority of Celtic supporters, only detracts from the joy of such occasions.
“Celtic will co-operate fully with any investigation and with the SPFL in their own processes.
“We also apologise to Hearts for the situation encountered by their players and staff at the conclusion of the game, and for the fact that these events prevented them from saluting their own supporters at the end of an enthralling campaign, to which they have contributed so much.”
Celtic can now complete a glorious league and Cup double when they meet Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup showpiece at Hampden on Saturday.
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