The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has confirmed that in the 8th minute of stoppage time of the Scottish Premiership match against Hearts, some Celtic fans broke into the pitch and referee Don Robertson stopped the game.
Celtic’s Callum Osmand scored an empty-net goal with 30 seconds left in stoppage time to effectively seal the title, with Hearts needing two goals.
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However, as hundreds of Celtic players flooded the pitch to celebrate, Hearts players were removed from the pitch for safety reasons, with some clashing with visiting players.
The game was not restarted and Celtic were crowned champions, but the SPFL has confirmed referee Robertson said the game was over and had not been abandoned.
Celtics’ fans packed into the stadium during their win over Hurts (Pennsylvania)
A statement said: “First of all, we would like to congratulate Celtic on winning the Premier League title in the most exciting circumstances and offer our condolences to everyone at Heart of Midlothian.”
“We would also like to thank the referee and his excellent team of match officials for remaining calm on such a dramatic day. Given the speculation surrounding the end of the match, we would like to make it clear that before the trophy was awarded we were informed by the match referee that the match was over and had not been abandoned.”
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Meanwhile, the SPFL condemned the scenes across the board, with Hearts speaking to Police Scotland over “disturbing” reports of “serious physical and verbal abuse of players and staff”.
Police Scotland also vowed to take “strong and swift action” against anyone caught committing an offence, as the SPFL condemned the “totally unacceptable” pitch invasion.
Hearts players must be protected by security (PA)
“Yesterday’s match showcased the very best of the Scottish game and the drama and excitement it is famous for,” the statement said. “The eyes of the world are on Glasgow and the climax of the Premier League, with millions watching on Sky Sports and across the globe.
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“However, we completely condemn the scenes of some Celtic fans breaking into the venue. We are awaiting reports from our match representatives on any specific incidents that took place, but regardless, it is completely unacceptable for fans to enter the venue under any circumstances and puts those attending games and working at risk.
“We note that entering stadiums in England and Wales has been a criminal offense since 1991. We urge anyone with information about any suspected criminal activity to contact Police Scotland.”
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said on Sunday morning that a police investigation was ongoing. “We spoke to Hearts yesterday,” he told the media press association. “We are following up to find out if any players were assaulted.
“If any player, or any member of the public, is assaulted on the pitch and a crime has been committed, we will take strong and swift action.
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“The club (Celtic) is responsible for the security and planning of the stadium. The police provide a support role in this area to investigate any criminal conduct and any police response required and we will continue to do so.
“So if there was any criminal conduct, whether it be an allegation of assault on a Hearts player or anything else, then our post-mortem investigation will uncover that and we will take the strongest possible action.”