Saturday’s title decider between Celtic FC and Heart of Midlothian FC was not stopped early despite a pitch invasion, with the Scottish Football League confirming the match continued as normal after full time drama.
Celtic clinched a record 56th league title at a charged Parkhead atmosphere, beating Hearts 3-1, a result that ended their rivals’ hopes of a first championship in 66 years. Callum Osmand sealed the win with a late stoppage-time goal, triggering celebrations as fans poured onto the pitch after the final whistle.
How Has Heart of Midlothian FC Responded to The Post-Match Chaos?
The match was not restarted, and Heart of Midlothian FC later described the scenes as “disgraceful” in a statement following the final whistle. The Scottish Professional Football League also stepped in to clarify the situation after confusion over how the game ended amid the pitch invasion.
“We would also like to thank the referee and his excellent team of match officials for their cool heads on such a dramatic day,” an SPFL spokesperson 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.
“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.”
Heart of Midlothian FC players and officials quickly left the stadium after full time, with the club saying the exit was due to what they described as a “menacing and threatening” atmosphere inside the ground.
Club Confirms Ongoing Talks With Police Scotland After Match Chaos
Heart of Midlothian FC said it has been in contact with Police Scotland after claims of verbal and physical abuse directed at players and staff when fans entered the pitch. The club has launched an internal investigation while seeking updates from authorities over the incidents that followed the match.
“Reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere, are deeply disturbing,” Hearts said. “We are investigating this fully and are in dialogue with Police Scotland.
Heart of Midlothian release a very strong official statement condemning the “shameful and disgraceful scenes” & “menacing and threatening” atmosphere at Celtic Park due to a pitch invasion by Celtic fans just before the end of the game. pic.twitter.com/XEj4aYtFcQ
— James Melville 🚜 (@JamesMelville) May 16, 2026
“We expect the strongest action possible to be taken by the footballing authorities in the interests of protecting the safety of players and supporters, and the integrity of our game.”
Police Scotland later confirmed multiple arrests were made during the disorder, adding that two officers were injured amid the post-match celebrations in the city involving Celtic FC supporters.
(With inputs from Reuters)
