Scottish Professional Football League release statement after Celtic-Hearts title decider, clarifies if match was 'abandoned'

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The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has confirmed that Celtic's clash with Heart of Midlothian did not end early, despite reports that a pitch invasion led to a premature end.

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In what was a dramatic finale to the Scottish Premiership season, Celtic scored two late goals to down Hearts, who needed only a point to win their first title in 66 years.

The match was level at 1-1 until Daizen Maeda struck in the 87th minute. Deep into added time, Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow arrived in the Celtic box for a corner in a desperate attempt to salvage the title, before Callum Osmand took advantage to run the length of the pitch to tap into an empty net.

The 20-year-old's late goal, scored in the 98th minute - the final minute of the allotted additional time - threw Celtic Park into chaos as the club's fifth successive title was sealed.

Scottish Premiership

Hearts condemn 'shameful scenes' following Celtic title decider

17/05/2026 at 11:00

Celtic fans stormed the pitch as both the home players and Hearts players rushed down the tunnel, before the match seemingly ended without a clear indication that referee Don Robertson had blown his whistle.

There was still time on the clock when Celtic scored their third goal, but due to the unsavoury scenes with the fans on the pitch, the game was brought to an abrupt end.

After the game and still in their kits, the Hearts squad and staff headed for the coach and left the stadium immediately without thanking the travelling fans or fulfilling any media duties.

Hearts said their players and staff suffered "serious physical and verbal abuse" during all the commotion, which was "deeply disturbing".

They have called for "the strongest action possible" following the incidents that took place "⁠in the interests of protecting the safety of players and supporters, and the integrity of our game".

The SPFL has since made a statement about both the controversial ending to the game, as well as what it described as "wholly unacceptable" scenes.

"We would also like to thank the referee and his excellent team of match officials for their cool heads on such a dramatic day," a spokesperson said.

"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.

"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."

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Scottish Premiership