Celtic has officially apologized to Hearts after chaotic post-match scenes overshadowed Saturday’s dramatic title-deciding finale. While Martin O’Neill’s side secured the Scottish Premiership crown by two points over the Jambos with a tense 3-1 victory, the achievement was instantly clouded by a pitch invasion.
Following Callum Osmand’s goal deep into stoppage time, waves of supporters flooded the field. Reports allege that Hearts players, including captain Lawrence Shankland, were assaulted during the chaos. On police advice, the visitors were instructed to skip the locker rooms, head straight to their team bus in full kit, and return to Edinburgh immediately. The SPFL later confirmed that referee Don Robertson did technically blow the final whistle to conclude the match rather than abandoning it, a detail that initially bypassed managers O’Neill and Derek McInnes.
Police Scotland has launched an investigation and is currently consulting with Hearts.
Meanwhile, Celtic management has promised full cooperation, stating clearly that there is no excuse for the breakdown in security.
The Glasgow club released the following statement regarding the incident:
“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.”