The SPFL has confirmed that Celtic’s dramatic title-clinching victory over Hearts was officially completed, while condemning the pitch invasion that followed the final moments at Celtic Park.
Martin O’Neill’s side came from behind to defeat Hearts 3-1 on the final day of the Scottish Premiership season. Lawrence Shankland had fired the visitors ahead before Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand turned the match around to secure a fifth consecutive league title for the Hoops.
Scenes of celebration spilled onto the pitch after Osmand’s late goal, with supporters entering the field of play and no further action taking place before the trophy presentation.
In a statement released on Sunday, the SPFL clarified that the match had not been abandoned and praised officials for their handling of the occasion.
SPFL Statement
“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… pic.twitter.com/Z3AQorvMwU
— SPFL (@spfl) May 17, 2026
“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,” an SPFL spokesperson said.
“We would also like to thank the referee and his excellent team of match officials for their cool heads on such a dramatic day. 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.”
The SPFL statement added: “Yesterday’s match showed off the very best of the Scottish game and the drama and excitement that it is rightly famed for,” the statement continued. “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.”
Conor Spence
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1 Comment
We hear hearts want audio ..so let’s do this why was Mcinnes allowed on the touchline having accused Celtic of corruption? Ahe continued that when we were awarded a penalty. Why was that the first penalty given against them this season ..let’s have a full review..game by game ..why has Shankland not been arrested..attacked a Celtic supporter and as he is led up the tunnel abusing the Celtic supporters by calling them C…. Why was the other hearts player not arrested for attacking a Celtic supporter and stealing his phone …the lies they have told as a club about their players being attacked has to be challenged aggressively …I think we have heard enough of the bleating…this lot are worse than rangers