Celtic wrapped up their 3-1 victory over Hearts to win the Scottish Premiership title with a 98th-minute goal, prompting a pitch invasion which saw the match descend into chaos
Lawrence Shankland was one of several players to be escorted off(Image: Sky Sports)
The Scottish title decider between Celtic and Hearts ended in ugly scenes as police were forced to take both sets of players off following a pitch invasion. Celtic had scored a goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time to wrap up a 3-1 comeback victory.
Home fans invaded the pitch to celebrate, forcing police to rush on and take the teams off before referee Don Robertson eventually blew his whistle for full-time amid the chaos. Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland was seen being escorted off by security.
Manager Derek McInnes was also seen being taken down the tunnel by a policeman. His side were top of the table by one point going into Saturday’s match at Parkhead.
Hearts only needed to avoid defeat in order to end their 66-year wait to win the Scottish Premiership title, but it wasn’t to be. Shankland had given the visitors a precious lead just before half-time, but it was wiped out prior to the break by a penalty from Arne Engels.
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Needing to score again, Celtic grew increasingly frustrated as the second half wore on. But in the 87th minute, Daizen Maeda prodded home to put Martin O’Neill’s side in front.
As Hearts pushed an equaliser in stoppage time, goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow was sent up for a free-kick. It was easily cleared by Celtic, who broke forward through Callum Osmand and the 20-year-old had a simple task to score their third.
A pitch invasion ensued and although he could understand the celebrations, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton labelled the scenes ‘ridiculous’. After being told that the game had finished, Hearts’ players and staff got straight onto the team bus and left the stadium grounds.
“It will take a lot of time for Hearts to get over this, but when they can they have to take a step back,” ex-Scotland forward James McFadden told Sky Sports. “They have pushed Celtic all the way and they were so close. It’s a credit to the players and to Derek McInnes.”
But it was joy for O’Neill, who remarkably returned as interim manager in January following a spell as caretaker earlier in the season. “This is the most special place on Earth,” the 74-year-old told a jubilant Parkhead before the trophy lift.
“I think when there is absolute unison in this stadium, it is a sight to behold. The players have been magnificent but we could not have won it without you.”
Emotional Celtic captain Callum McGregor added to Sky Sports: “For the first time ever, I’m speechless. “You see what it means to everyone. What a season. Everyone wrote us off. We knew we’d get a chance. We keep going and going. What a special group of people. Magical.”
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