A number of Celtic supporters entered the pitch after defeating Hearts to clinch the Scottish Premiership title on a tense final day.
The SPFL have criticised the Celtic fans who ran onto the field on Saturday, while maintaining that referee Don Robertson did not end the match early. Hundreds of Celtic supporters rushed onto the Parkhead pitch after Callum Osmand scored a decisive third goal to seal the Scottish Premiership crown against Hearts. Fans goaded some of the Jambos players, with Derek McInnes and his squad later travelling back to Edinburgh without completing their post-match media duties.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill stated in his own press conference that the fourth official had informed him there was still a minute remaining amid the disorderly scenes. However, league officials have confirmed that referee Robertson did, in fact, bring the match to a close.
In a statement, they 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.
“We would also like to thank the referee and his excellent team of match officials for their cool heads on such a dramatic day.”
Regarding the scenes at the final whistle, they said: “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.”
Describing it as a thrilling conclusion to the campaign, they went on to say: “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.
“The 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.