Match Pictures | Matches: 2025 – 2026
Trivia
- KO: 12:30, Saturday, Sky Sports
-
Celtic win the league title with only 3 mins of normal time left!!!!
- Final league match of the season, winner takes all match. Both sides going into the game both sides can win the league title, but Celtic had to win, Hearts only needed to draw.
- Hearts had led the league table for the vast majority of this season, 250 days, Celtic only 33 days on top.
- Celtic proudly wear the club’s Celtic Cross logo once again to mark National Famine Commemoration Day, which also takes place this weekend.
- Incredibly, Celtic had not been top since the early days! Only finally top of the league 3 minutes from the end of normal time (add then 8 mins injury time!).
- Celtic have now won a record 56th league title!
- First time anyone has won all the post-split matches. Maeda scored in each of the post-split matches.
- Celtic incredibly won all of the 7 final league games to the title, which was really necessary!
- Hatate NOT even in the match day squad.
- Forrest v his younger brother (Alan Forrest) with both challenging for the ball near the death of the match at a vital point in the game, James Forrest though won out on that challenge & the match itself: “James Forrest won the battle of the brothers!“
- Martin O’Neill’s likely last ever league match as Celtic manager.
- Fans swarm onto the pitch which has caused some consternation from all corners.
- Celtic had the toughest end-run having to play the top three sides in 7 days! Celtic had to really win all post-split matches to retain the title, and actually won their final 7 league matches.
- Celtic will be seeded in the Champions League play-off round in August. Win that tie, and they’d be in the competition proper.
- Hearts had a record of W20, D2, L1 when scoring the opening goal in their league fixtures this season, so further demonstrating how excellent this victory was today!
- Lord George Foulkes, who served as both a Labour MP and MSP, was chairman at Heart of Midlothian from 2004 to 2005″escalated” a complaint involving Celtic to FIFA, following Neil Doncaster’s response to his claims of Celtic’s win being “predetermined”. Utter nonsense! Sore losers, when Celtic won fair & square! Pandering to the lowest elements.
- Police Scotland admit no compliants received from Hearts players over alleged assaults on players following the post-match on-field excursions.
- SWPL: Hearts women’s side won the women’s league title on the last day of the season following a 6-0 victory by Glasgow City v TheRangers women’s side, with a hat-trick scored by James Forrest’s sister, Lisa Forrest!
- Partick Thistle will play St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership play-off final after recovering to beat Dunfermline Athletic who Celtic play next week in Scottish Cup final.
- Reports:
- Daizen Maeda tells Japanese media that he “wants to take the next step” and that it has always been his goal to play in the English Premier League.
- Celtic have agreed a deal to sell Honduras winger Luis Palma to Lech Poznan after a successful loan to the Polish club.
Summary
‘Celtic gave me reasons to live’
Martin O’Neill
- Celtic clinch fifth championship in row in astonishing scenes as fans swarm pitch
- Maeda & Osmand score late to deny Hearts first league title since 1960
- Shankland heads in deep corner to give Hearts lead but Engels levels from spot after Tierney cross hits Kyziridis’ hand
“I’m feeling really excited. It’s been a really tough go, but we’re here and let’s try to make the most of it. “If you said to me at Tannadice we would have to win every single game to get to this position I’d have thought it would be difficult to do. “But we’ve done it and we’ve earned the right to have a go at Hearts. “We have to play almost error-free football. That’s an impossibility but what it means is you have to take chances and defend strongly. For the most part we’ve done that. “Whoever wins the title probably deserves to win it. The players are in good spirits.”
MoN prematch
“I had a great side then, a really great side. That team won the matches for me and that’s what this team has done. “They never gave up. “I’m never sure about momentum because it can change in an instant. If you’d asked me before we played Rangers if we would take it into the final day, I’d have bitten your arm off. “We made plenty of mistakes, but there’s great mental courage in the team which has carried us over the line. “I’m a bit-part in proceedings. They see me every day the players, this old man, and think ‘what’s he doing here?’ “I feel rejuvenated. In October I was having a coffee on the Kings Road, enjoying retirement. I thought the days of me here at Celtic Park lifting trophies were well and truly gone.” [On whether he will be here next season]: “I just don’t know. It takes its toll. “I thought we might have been able to slip in a draw somewhere [after the loss at Tannadice], but it wasn’t to be. “I was in this very spot last season talking to Brendan [Rodgers] about winning it and I was really jealous. Not for one minute did I think I’d be back here. “It has been really sensational for me. I really can’t believe it. “It’s very easy to be patronising, but Hearts are the big story of this season. They are terrific, the manager has been fantastic. It’s easy for me to say, but I hope I would have said the same if they had taken the championship.”
MoN post-match
“I feel rejuvenated. The players and the staff have given me a reason to live. That’s not to say my family haven’t… I was in this very spot last season talking to Brendan about winning it and I was really jealous. Not for one minute did I think I’d be back here.
“This is the most special place on earth. When there is absolute unison in this stadium, it is a sight to behold.”
MoN post-match
“For the first time ever, I’m speechless,” he just about manages to say. “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.”
“You put your heart and soul into this job. You can’t switch it off. “It’s probably been the most the club has had to deal with. You can’t do it all on your own, you have to have eight or nine senior players driving it. “I did [feel it was coming]. You could feel the energy picking up, we were creating chances and had bodies up the top end of the pitch. “Credit to the boys – they found a way to win the game. “So many late goals, so you have that belief. Everyone has – quite rightly – had a pop at us, but it’s good to answer that. “The players rose to the occasion and found a way to get the job done. “All the pressure was on us again. There’s so much expectation, but somehow you find a way. I guess that’s the sign of champions. “It’s heart and desire, that’s what wins you football matches. “Hopefully we can use this as a catapult to get the club back on track. Our job is to deliver titles and I’m pleased we’ve managed to do our bit.”
Callum McGregor bubbling with tears as Sky Sports grab a quick on-pitch interview.
“Celtic have done it. The mentality monsters. This is bedlam though. I don’t know if the final whistle has gone. I can understand the excitement, but this is ridiculous. Celtic fans need to get off the pitch.”
Sutton
“It’s the greatest league win – it must be of all time. Never count us out. We just felt like we were going to find a way. Unbelievable. “[Martin O’Neill] is a winner. Build him a statue, it’s as simple as that. He just finds a way to win.”
“Did I believe we were going to be champions? Look, at this club, until you are mathematically out of it, you believe and that’s what we did. “A month ago, two months ago, a lot of people would have counted us out but we didn’t. “For the past month every game has been a must-win, this didn’t feel like a one-off because the whole month has felt like a knockout tie. “The double is on but we’ve got a really difficult match coming up. We’re going to enjoy tonight and get ready to go again next week.”
Alistair Johnston
“It feels so amazing. we’ve been fighting so much all season and now we’re champions. “It’s been a very difficult season but we kept fighting, kept believing, so I’m so proud of everyone in the team. “I was not so nervous [before the game]. We had everything to win so I think they were more nervous than we were. “He’s been brilliant. Martin [O’Neill] and the other coaches, Sean [Maloney] and Fozzy [Mark Fotheringham], they’ve done so well. It’s thanks to them that we did this.”
Nygren
“This whole season has been absolutely mental. From where we were at some points to here. The atmosphere has totally flipped. “Our captain is totally brilliant. I’m so happy for everyone, but Callum McGregor deserves every bit of this. “We never give up. I think this is the most mentally strong team I’ve been involved in by far. This is the best thing I’ve ever won, because of everything we’ve come through.”
Kieran Tierney
“Martin O’Neill, 74 years of age and he’s still managing like a young man. He’s won another title in the most dramatic of circumstances”
Tom English journalist
“These big games, these big moments are decided by big, big players and Maeda did that. He needs that one sniff, that one half-chance. You can say whatever you want to say but the late goals they’ve scored, what Martin O’Neill has done, it’s truly remarkable. For Hearts, I’m a bit lost for words. As time passes the pain will go away. They now have to build on this, it can’t be a one-off. It’s going to be harder next season than it was this season but they have to go again.
The season as a whole’s been absolutely brilliant right across the board. From the top of the league to the bottom of the league. Motherwell have been unbelievable, Falkirk have been unbelievable and I think Hearts have been unbelievable to go three minutes from 90 minutes from being champions speaks volumes for the players and Derek McInnes. I think they got so much spot on, but you could see when Iheanacho hit the post, the tide turned and Celtic are serial winners. Maeda came up with the clinical moment and they deserve to win it.”
Ryan Stevenson ex-Hearts
Kevtic of KDS:
I didn’t think I could love Martin O’Neill any more than I already did but where do you want your statue Martin? 🙂 Terrible first half but with Hearts happy to try and steal a draw instead of trying to win the game played right into our hands. As time slipped away I thought maybe it was just one late win too many. Daft carrot that I am. It had to be Daizen with the Osmand goal the massive piece of icing on the champions cake. I’m absolutely drained. The last few weeks have been such a roller coaster but you just felt all these late wins weren’t going to be for nothing. We’ve roasted the players for some of their performances this season but you can’t fault their commitment, character and ability to get the job done under enormous pressure over the last 7 games. A mental season that could see us end up with a double. Don’t you just love football sometimes.
Joe Flynn @flynny67.bsky.social · Best season for decades people were saying until it didn’t go how the rest of Scottish football outside of Celtic wanted.Now they are trying to say its shite & tainted,fact is we won when it mattered,never gave up & got the job done with a poor celtic side & they still couldn’t beat us
Misc: Hearts only needed a draw & they blew it. Top of the league all season and, once again, couldn’t see it through. Couldn’t win a league against the 2 poorest Glasgow teams in years from a position of strength. They’ll get no plaudits from here. Plenty arguable decisions went their way this season.
Teams
Celtic
Manager: Martin O’Neill
Formation: 4 – 2 – 3 – 1
Starting lineup
12, V. Sinisalo
63, K. Tierney, subbed for M. Saracchi at 73 mins
05, L. Scales
06, A. Trusty,58′, Yellow Card at 58 mins, subbed for C. Osmand at 73 mins
02, A. Johnston,35′, Yellow Card at 35 mins
27, A. Engels
42, C. McGregor (c), Captain,90’+7, Yellow Card at 90 mins plus 7
23, S. Tounekti, subbed for K. Ịheanachọ at 46 mins
08, B. Nygren,53′, Yellow Card at 53 mins, subbed for D. Murray at 90 mins
13, Yang Hyun-Jun, subbed for J. Forrest at 62 mins
38, D. Maeda,90’+6, Yellow Card at 90 mins plus 6
Subs:
31, R. Doohan
49, J. Forrest
14, L. McCowan
47, D. Murray
19, C. Osmand
21, A. Oxlade-Chamberlain
56, A. Ralston
36, M. Saracchi,90’+4, Yellow Card at 90 mins plus 4
17, K. Ịheanachọ
Goals:
A. Engels (45’+4 pen)Penalty 45 minutes plus 4
D. Maeda (87′)
C. Osmand (90’+8)
Assists:
C. Osmand (87′)
C. McGregor (90’+8)
Hearts
Manager: Derek McInnes
Formation: 4 – 4 – 2
Starting lineup
25, A. Schwolow
18, H. Milne, subbed for I. Chesnokov at 68 mins
19, S. Findlay
15, M. Steinwender,38′, Yellow Card at 38 mins
03, S. Kingsley
23, J. Altena, subbed for F. Kent at 47 mins
06, B. Baningime, subbed for B. Spittal at 51 mins
14, C. Devlin,77′, Yellow Card at 77 mins
89, A. Kyziridis, subbed for A. Forrest at 67 mins
11, P. Kaboré, subbed for Cláudio Braga at 68 mins
09, L. Shankland (c), Captain,90’+4, Yellow Card at 90 mins plus 4
Subs:
99, I. Chesnokov
12, C. Borchgrevink
17, A. Forrest
30, R. Fulton
02, F. Kent
29, S. Kerjota
05, J. McCart
10, Cláudio Braga
16, B. Spittal
Goals:
L. Shankland (43′)
Assists:
S. Kingsley (43′)
Match Officials
Referee: Don Robertson
Video Assistant Referee: Kevin Clancy
Assistant Referee 1: Calum Spence
Assistant Referee 2: David Roome
Fourth Official: David Dickinson
Assistant VAR Official: Matthew MacDermid
Att:
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
Stats
Basic Stats
Overall possession
Celtic 66.6%
Hearts 33.4%
Shots
Celtic 14
Hearts 12
Shots on target
Celtic 5
Hearts 2
Total touches inside the opposition box
Celtic 23
Hearts 17
Goalkeeper saves
Celtic 1
Hearts 2
Aerial duels won
Celtic 34
Hearts 23
Fouls committed
Celtic 10
Hearts 9
Corners
Celtic 9
Hearts 6
In-depth match stats
Attack
Shots
Celtic 14
Hearts 12
Shots on target
Celtic 5
Hearts 2
Shots off target
Celtic 6
Hearts 8
Attempts out of box
Celtic 4
Hearts 5
Hit woodwork
Celtic 1
Hearts 0
Total offsides
Celtic 2
Hearts 2
Distribution
Total passes
Celtic 465
Hearts 235
Pass accuracy %
Celtic 81.5
Hearts 57
Backward passes
Celtic 73
Hearts 40
Forward passes
Celtic 176
Hearts 119
Total long balls
Celtic 51
Hearts 71
Successful final third passes
Celtic 109
Hearts 47
Total crosses
Celtic 20
Hearts 10
Defence
Total tackles
Celtic 7
Hearts 16
Won tackle %
Celtic 57.1
Hearts 62.5
Fouls committed
Celtic 10
Hearts 9
Total yellow cards
Celtic 6
Hearts 3
Total clearances
Celtic 39
Hearts 35
Pre Match Facts
A win for Celtic in this match will see them crowned Scottish champions for the 56th time – overtaking Rangers (55) for the most of any side. Indeed, Celtic have won the title in 13 of the last 14 seasons, the only exception being 2020-21, when Rangers won it.
Should Heart of Midlothian avoid defeat in this match, they will be confirmed as champions. It would be their fifth Scottish top-flight title, the most of any non-Old Firm (Celtic/Rangers) club, and their first since 1959-60. Indeed,
Hearts would be the first non-Old Firm side to be crowned champions of Scotland since Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen in 1984-85, and would end a run of 40 successive titles won by either Celtic or Rangers in the process.
Having already beaten Rangers three times and Celtic twice in 2025-26,
Hearts could become the first side in Scottish football history to win six games against the two Old Firm clubs in a single league season.
Celtic are winless in their three league meetings with Heart of Midlothian this season (D1 L2); the last sides other than Old Firm rivals Rangers that the Hoops failed to beat in a league campaign were both
Hearts and Motherwell in 1994-95.
Including the curtailed 2019-20 campaign, Celtic have only lost their final league game in one of the last 18 seasons (W14 D3), a 0-1 defeat to Aberdeen in 2017-18. In this time, they have played
Hearts five times on MD38, winning the last four (D1).
After their 1-0 win over Kilmarnock last season,
Hearts could win their final match in back-to-back top-flight campaigns for the first time since 2002-03/2003-04 against Dundee and Motherwell respectively.
Celtic have won each of their last six Scottish Premiership matches – their longest run of the season, while no side has yet won seven in a row in the competition in 2025-26. Should Celtic win here, seven wins would be their longest streak to finish a league season with since 2009-10, when they won their final eight in a row – the last of which was against
Hearts.
The top four players in the Scottish Premiership this season for points won via their goals are Celtic duo Daizen Maeda (16) and Benjamin Nygren (13), and
Hearts pair Lawrence Shankland (12) and Cláudio Braga (12). Indeed, only Tawanda Maswanhise has scored more goals overall (17) than all four of those players in the competition in 2025-26 (Nygren 16, Shankland 15, Braga 14, Maeda 13).
Pre Match Articles
Everybody wants Hearts to win – Celtic boss O’Neill
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ceqp27jng4jo
Figure caption,
Published
15 May 2026
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill believes “everybody wants Hearts to win” as he prepares his side for Saturday’s Scottish Premiership title decider.
Defending champions Celtic host Hearts (12:30 BST), needing to win to overtake them into first place. A win or a draw for Hearts would take the league trophy to Tynecastle for the first time since 1960.
O’Neill was asked about the fallout from the award of a penalty in Celtic’s midweek win at Motherwell, which kept his side within a point of leaders Hearts.
At 2-2, Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson jumped with Auston Trusty and, after a VAR intervention, John Beaton ruled Nicholson had committed a handball.
Hearts manager Derek McInnes described the award as “disgusting” and said his side were “up against everybody”. Other prominent pundits have questioned the spot-kick, which was converted by Kelechi Iheanacho.
But O’Neill said: “It’s obviously been magnified because of the occasion as much as anything else.
“Am I surprised? No, I’m not surprised, because everybody wants Hearts to win. It’s really as simple as that.
“Everybody outside Celtic and the Celtic diaspora wants Hearts to win.
“And so if it wasn’t Hearts, it would be Rangers, it would be somebody else. That’s the nature of it.”
Speaking specifically about the penalty award, O’Neill said: “One, I think it’s a penalty. I think he’s handled the ball. When you see it again properly, it is a penalty.
“In the wider scheme of things, I think that we, everybody should be looking at this. Throughout Europe, we have seen penalties given when we all think, ‘well, that wouldn’t have happened years ago’, it wouldn’t have done.
“It looks very, very harsh. This should be a major point of discussion in the summer time, to have a look again, to see what they’re doing. And I know sometimes in European football, it’s a wee bit different to ours, it shouldn’t be, it should be uniform.
“It should be absolutely, it should be straightforward. In this accidental handball, hands in unnatural positions and stuff like this here, people maybe even being pushed into situations – think all of that’s got to be looked at.
Late VAR penalty decision boosts Celtic
O’Neill can take his haul of trophies won as Celtic manager to nine by winning the side’s next two matches. After hosting Hearts on Saturday, Celtic face Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final on 23 May (15:00). O’Neill, who signed Lennon for Celtic in 2000, expects these two games to be his last with the club.
He is in his second interim spell as Celtic boss this season after stepping in between Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy’s tenures and returning after the latter.
Between 2000 and 2005, O’Neill oversaw three league triumphs, three in the Scottish Cup and a League Cup win as part of a treble. O’Neill also twice lost the league title on the final day of the season during this period.
“Really looking forward to it now and why shouldn’t we? It’s a big, big game,” O’Neill said of Hearts’ visit.
“We have to win it, Hearts don’t so the advantage is with them in that aspect but we’re going out all guns blazing to try and win.
“The game’s in the balance. We’re at home, we have to win. Hearts have to just avoid defeat. It’ll be a tough game for both teams.
“If we can win, then somewhere along the way I think we’ve deserved to win it. It’s the number of points that you end up with at the end of the season that determines these things.
“In terms of the atmosphere, it will be electric. There is no question about it.”
Has last-gasp Celtic penalty undermined Hearts’ hopes?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cp8pzd3d655o
Derek McInnes and his Hearts playersImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Hearts will win the Scottish Premiership if they avoid defeat at Celtic Park
ByGeorge O’Neill
BBC Sport Scotland
Published
15 May 2026
At one stage on Wednesday, Hearts were set to be Scottish Premiership champions.
At another point, they just needed to avoid a three-goal defeat at Celtic Park on Saturday to clinch a first title since 1960.
But by the end of a hugely contentious and emotionally wrought night, one which ended with recriminations and angry words, the equation was much less favourable.
Hearts players were on the Tynecastle pitch waving to fans after a comfortable 3-0 win over Falkirk as Celtic converted a controversial 99th-minute penalty to beat Motherwell 3-2 at Fir Park, leaving one point separating the top two.
Now Derek McInnes’ side now must avoid defeat in front of 60,000 amped-up Celtic fans on Saturday – and do so without key players – if they are to become the first non-Old Firm club to win the Scottish title in four decades.
Hearts are unbeaten against Celtic in three meetings this term, but the revived defending champions have now won six consecutive league matches under Martin O’Neill as they seek a 14th title in 15 years.
It’s all set up to be an epic encounter, but has the Tynecastle outfit’s best chance gone? Or can they still make history?
McInnes and his players can certainly take confidence from their matches against Celtic this season.
In October, they swept aside Brendan Rodgers’ side 3-1 at Tynecastle to solidify their title credentials. And two months later, they travelled to Glasgow and spoiled Wilfried Nancy’s first match as Celtic boss, winning 2-1 in a gutsy display.
Most recently, Celtic were denied all three points in Gorgie by Claudio Braga’s late equaliser.
“We’ve been there and won a couple of times during my time as a Hearts player,” captain Lawrence Shankland said after the midweek win over Falkirk.
“We go there confident and we’ve been top of the league all season. It’s a 90-minute cup final. If you offered us that at the start of the season we would have taken it.”
A fourth match without defeat against their nearest rivals would seal one of the most unlikely triumphs ever in Scottish football, and former Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart is confident they can get the job done.
“There’s no reason why Hearts can’t win the title,” he said on Sportscene.
“As much as there’s disappointment, scepticism and a lot of ill-will coming off the back of [Wednesday], Hearts need to focus on the positives.
“They are capable of getting the result they need to win the trophy.”
02:04
Figure caption,
Will Parkhead atmosphere prove difference?
It will not be straightforward, though, and the pensive faces on the pitch and in the stands at Tynecastle on Wednesday reflected that.
While they are unbeaten at home in the league – with 15 wins and four draws – Hearts have been less sure on the road, losing five and drawing four of 18.
Celtic Park is a daunting place to go, but Hearts – as mentioned – have already won there this season, as have Rangers and Hibernian.
Still, former Celtic captain Scott Brown believes the capacity home crowd will be a huge factor.
“It’s going to be so nervy,” he said. “I think 60,000 fans at Celtic Park will make a difference. It would have been different if was a draw [at Fir Park] and Celtic had to score three or four goals.
“But at home, to win a title in front of your own fans on the last day of the season, that’s how the [Celtic] players and manager would want to do it.”
Brown’s former Celtic team-mate Darren O’Dea agrees.
“I don’t think Celtic will blow Hearts away but I do think they will get the job done,” he said on Sportsound. “The energy from the crowd will be through the roof.”
Both sides have struggled with injuries throughout this season, and Hearts will be without key defender Craig Halkett and influential midfielder Marc Leonard after both players had surgery on Achilles injuries.
McInnes was able to call on influential duo Harry Milne and Cammy Devlin from the start on Wednesday to replace them, but can they and their colleagues go to the well again – both physically and emotionally – just three days later?
Although he was furious about the decision that led to Celtic’s win at Motherwell, McInnes was bullish and is relishing the position his side find themselves in.
“We’re delighted to be part of it,” he said. “To do it, we’re going to have to go and get a positive result. What a game it’s going to be.”
The impossible job? The pressure of refereeing Scotland’s title decider
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c242rq5g14no
Referee Don Robertson awards a free-kick during the Scottish Premiership match between Hibernian and Heart of MidlothianImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Don Robertson has taken charge of six Celtic games this season, and four for Hearts
By
Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent
Published
15 May 2026
Who would be a referee in Scotland?
In a league routinely dominated by Celtic and Rangers, every contentious decision comes with its own subplot of supposed bias and intrigue.
Which referee has, allegedly, been pigeonholed as a Celtic man? And who supposedly has a track record of being sympathetic to Rangers?
“There’s always been this narrative surrounding Scottish football and referees,” BBC Sport football expert and former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said.
“Whose side are the referees are on? That’s the way it’s viewed among both fan bases.
“There’s always there’s been conspiracy theories doing the rounds.”
After Celtic’s controversial win over Motherwell on Wednesday, match referee John Beaton and his family were put under police surveillance following a leak of their personal details online.
“This is the inevitable consequence of the heightening criticism, intolerance and scapegoating demonstrated this season by media pundits, supporters, official supporters’ groups, clubs, players, managers and former match officials,” the Scottish FA said., external
“Those who have sought to apportion blame and conspiracy towards match officials to deflect from defeats or perceived injustices throughout the season have contributed to an environment that puts the safety of our staff and match officials in jeopardy.
“The Scottish FA condemns in the strongest possible terms attempts to compromise the safety of match officials.”
On Saturday, Celtic meet Hearts a first-in-a-generation final game of the season to determine the Scottish Premiership champions.
It will be once again incredibly high stakes and, for the officials, extreme pressure.
‘We will not allow this to become the norm’
The rumour and speculation of supporters was tested to its limits on Wednesday when Celtic were given a hugely controversial and crucial stoppage-time penalty at Motherwell, given after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
The VAR, Andrew Dallas, had sent referee Beaton to the pitchside monitor for handball against Sam Nicholson.
Kelechi Iheanacho despatched the spot-kick, giving Celtic a 3-2 win and changing the complexion of the final day of the season.
Any victory would now give Celtic the title. Without the VAR penalty at Fir Park, Martin O’Neill’s men would have needed to win by at least three goals.
Hearts boss Derek McInnes called the penalty given to Celtic “disgusting”, and has suggested they are not getting their fair share of decisions.
“We’re up against it, we’re up against everybody,” McInnes said.
In the aftermath, social media was full of doctored images trying to prove either that the referee had got the decision wrong or made a mistake.
Later, Hearts’ owner The Foundation of Hearts issued a statement, external saying that it was “extremely concerned by a number of refereeing and VAR decisions” in recent weeks.
It added that it was calling on “those responsible for the officiating of Saturday’s match to ensure that the highest standards of decision-making are applied”.
Then, on Friday afternoon, the Scottish FA’s revealed Beaton and his family had needed police protection.
“This is the consequence of a hysterical media narrative, fuelled by irresponsible knee-jerk post-match media interviews, commentary and official social media posts,” the SFA said.
“Referees are not infallible. Mistakes will be made on the field, and subjective calls made in front of the VAR monitor, just as managers will pick the wrong team, goalkeepers concede soft goals and strikers miss from five yards out. Yet the reaction to these inevitabilities could not be more contrasting.
“What happened yesterday is not an isolated incident. There are many examples of match officials being placed in harmful situations but with individuals fearful of speaking out lest it exacerbates the situation or causes further alarm to friends, family and colleagues.
“We will not allow this to become the norm. We will not allow a situation where match officials require special provision to protect their children at school to be considered an occupational hazard. We will not allow a situation where staying at home with the front door locked and avoiding the hazards of public interaction becomes a coping strategy.”
‘Criticism is fuelled by bias’
Sutton said he appreciates where McInnes is coming from, but that the reaction to Wednesday’s VAR decision came with its own unconscious bias.
“I think there’s so much hysteria because people are so desperate for Hearts to win the league because of the story,” Sutton added.
“I can understand McInnes’ frustration, and I can understand what he’s doing. He is trying to create a siege mentality.
“There’s no doubt there is a sort of psychological pressure trying to be exerted on the referees ahead of the game.”
Celtic supporters had long since dubbed the referee ‘Brother Beaton’, insinuating he has been favourable to Rangers.
Dallas, meanwhile, is the son of former professional referee Hugh. His father was once struck by a coin thrown by a home fan in the Old Firm derby at Celtic Park.
That, according to the online conspiracies, means Andrew must have dislike for the green and white.
On Saturday’s game, the referee is Don Robertson and VAR Kevin Clancy.
Robertson was the referee for Hearts’ 2-1 win in the Edinburgh derby on 26 April, showing red cards to two Hibernian players. Might he be seen as more on the side of the Jambos?
But the VAR, if you ask Rangers fans, is more likely to favour Celtic – some supporters refer to him as ‘Father’ Clancy.
Referees, of course, do not have any such allegiances, and go out to officiate each game impartially.
“I’m sure they’re thinking about the implications,” Sutton said. “But if they get a controversial moment, they can only go out and do the job to the best of their ability.”
‘You want to referee these games and hope nobody is talking about you’
Referee Kevin Clancy awards a free-kick during the William Hill Premiership match between Livingston and Heart of MidlothianImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Kevin Clancy will be at Clydesdale House to take charge of the video reviews for the title decider
Former referee Bobby Madden told BBC Sport that Robertson and Clancy will need to thrive off the occasion.
“Unfortunately in recent times there are too many key matches incidents that are going the wrong way for match officials which brings that added pressure,” Madden said.
“One of the challenges in Scottish football is they don’t have a big enough refereeing pool at the moment. So it’s the same referees who are undertaking the key matches.
“And that in itself presents its own challenges and its own pressure.
“You want to referee these games and hope nobody is talking about you.”
Madden agreed with Sutton that this has always been in the way in Scotland, and probably always will be.
“With every referee and every player – everyone involved in Scottish football – if someone answers that they support Motherwell they are asked ‘who is your real team, or who is your big team?’.
“These kind of wild conspiracies have been in Scottish football for a long time and I don’t think they’ll ever go away.
“And I don’t think this season has done anything to make that happen.”
All eyes now turn to Parkhead on Saturday, one game to decide the destination of the title.
Robertson and Clancy, and the rest of football, will be hoping they are not the story.
Hearts ready to ‘rip up script’ in title showdown
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cy024dej4rwo
Heart of Midlothian head coach Derek McInnesImage source, Getty Images
ByBrian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Published
15 May 2026
Derek McInnes has faith that Hearts can “rip up the script” and prevail in a “pure box office” final-day showdown at Celtic Park with the Scottish Premiership title on the line.
The Edinburgh side will be champions of Scotland for the first time since 1960 if they can avoid defeat at the defending champions on Saturday.
“It’s a perfect ending to a season for the league, for Scottish football, for drama and excitement,” said head coach McInnes.
“It’s pure box office. I felt for a while it would go the full way, and we’ve been preparing for that.
“We knew we’d have to get good wins, and obviously Celtic in the last wee while have shown improvements. Fair play to them and to our boys for making this the situation.
“It’s important now that we have that one big performance in us to try and get over the line. The confidence I feel in the players is so strong. We have to go there with courage, with belief and be bullish.”
Hearts will have the backing of fewer than 800 supporters at the 60,000-capacity stadium but McInnes is sure his players can rise to the occasion, having been out in front since September.
“It’ll be bedlam, it’ll be an unbelievable atmosphere,” he said. “There might be people out there who think everything’s back on script – ‘Celtic win their home game, they win the league’.
“But we’ve ripped the script up so often this season, and we’ve got one more in us I think, and it’s up to us to try and make that happen.
“There’s been a lot of pressure on our lads for a long time now, but the players have dealt with it brilliantly.
“Of course the game’s huge, and it’ll be different in so many aspects, but it’s also exciting. Regardless of what happens tomorrow, it has been a brilliant campaign, but it could be the most special campaign.
“It’s up to us to try and create our own history and our own legacy with a big performance.”
The gap between the sides is one point after Celtic beat Motherwell with a controversial stoppage-time penalty on Wednesday.
An emotional McInnes described the spot-kick decision as “disgusting” in the wake of Hearts’ 3-0 win over Falkirk on the same night. He was also furious at the denial of a penalty for his side in a 1-1 draw at Fir Park last weekend.
“From the aftermath of the last couple of games for us and the comment and condemnation of a lot of what’s went on, I think it’s quite telling to be honest,” he said.
“There are questions that need to be asked about glaring inconsistencies, a lot of confusion.
“But today isn’t the day for it. We all benefit, all clubs, all managers benefit from fortuitous decisions throughout a campaign. And times when you think you’ve been so hard done to. That’s normal.
“There’s been huge focus on the Scottish Premiership and we’re part of the story.
“It’s just a pity that there’s been [some controversy] instead of all the positives. What I’m really out to concentrate on today is so much of the positive stuff from our point of view.
“Despite everything, we’ve got a job to do. And if we do our job well enough, we can still get the outcome that we want.”
Post Match Articles
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c0m289e39zkt#Report
At a glance
Celtic secure fifth title in row and deny Hearts first championship since 1960
Shankland heads Hearts into lead, but Engels equalises from penalty spot
Maeda scores for Celtic with two minutes left after VAR review and Osmand adds a third in stoppage time sparking pitch invasion
ByClive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland
Watch Celtic v Hearts highlights on iPlayer
16/05/26
Watch on iPlayer
Celtic came from behind in an astonishing finale to beat long-time Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts and deny them a first league title since 1960 – while securing their fifth title in a row after a miraculous season.
The Edinburgh side had led since September in their search to become the first non-Old Firm team to win the top flight in four decades.
They only needed a draw to be crowned champions, led through Lawrence Shankland’s opener, and were only three minutes away from getting the point they needed before their dreams were snatched away.
But, having levelled through an Arne Engels penalty, Celtic went in front through Daizen Maeda in the 87th minute – a goal only awarded after a VAR review correctly overturned the decision to rule it out.
And Callum Osmand broke clear to add a stoppage-time third – and spark an invasion of the pitch by some Celtic fans – as they surpass Rangers in the number of total titles won with 56.
With the eyes of the world on Celtic Park, wondering if Hearts would complete their fairytale season, the hosts prevailed – 40 years since they last started the final day in second place and won the title – when they also edged out the Tynecastle club.
In what could be his last league game in charge, interim manager Martin O’Neill has led Celtic to the title for a fourth time – 22 years since his last – having secured a first win of the season over Derek McInnes’ side after two defeats and a draw.
During his time at Aberdeen, McInnes finished as a runner-up to Celtic three years running and has to settle for second place again after his first season at Hearts.
00:52
Figure caption,
Celtic celebrate after clinching title on dramatic final day
Celtic came into the Scotland’s first head-to-head final-day title decider since 1991 on a high after a controversial penalty in the final seconds of stoppage time handed them a 3-2 win away to Motherwell on Wednesday.
Hearts had been 50 minutes away from the title in midweek, as they headed to victory over Falkirk while Celtic were behind at Fir Park.
That was a nervy evening and plenty of anxiety was on show here, too, as it took 32 minutes for either side to have an effort on target.
But it was Hearts who struck first just before the break, with Shankland rising unchallenged at the back post to head home after a Stephen Kingsley corner flew over flailing Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo.
However, Engels replied in first-half stoppage time when his spot-kick slipped under Hearts keeper Alexander Schwolow – after Kieran Tierney’s cross struck the arm of Alexandros Kyziridis.
Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho fired against a post and Schwolow saved from Benjamin Nygren, but Celtic’s moment would come.
Maeda flicked in an Osmand cross and the young striker knocked in the decisive third on the break as Hearts threw everyone forward.
O’Neill had suggested beforehand that everybody apart from Celtic fans wanted Hearts to win the title, but ultimately the world outside Parkhead was left disappointed.
First Motherwell, then Rangers, blinked in a rare, four-team title race and now the focus was on just two contenders going head-to-head.
Surprise leaders Hearts had at one point been eight points clear, but having emerged from a haphazard season pock-marked with drama, Celtic have gradually eaten into that lead under O’Neill.
While both sides came into the game unbeaten in seven, Hearts had won just once in five on the road and it was that relative fragility that was to be their undoing.
Swept to victory by all but 750 of the 60,000-capacity crowd, Celtic’s fifth home win in a row cemented their place as champions.
O’Neill’s side won their final seven Premiership matches – their longest run of the campaign and their longest streak to finish the season since 2010.
Celtic had only won the title three times from eight when they started a final-day decider in second place, but they were not to be denied a 14th crown in 15 years.
O’Neill now leads his side to Hampden, where they will be strong favourites to complete the double against Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final.
Hearts will look with anger at a penalty wrongly denied – according to referees’ chief Willie Collum – in Saturday’s draw with Motherwell, and the penalty award for Celtic at Fir Park which McInnes described as “disgusting”.
They can, however, take some comfort from going so close – and splitting the Old Firm – in the first season of what Tony Bloom said was a 10-year project when the Brighton & Hove Albion owner invested in the Edinburgh club last summer.
O’Neill reacts after winning fourth title as Celtic boss
Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill: “Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I could experience those lads up there [lifting the trophy].
“I feel rejuvenated. In October, I was having a coffee on the Kings Road, enjoying retirement. I thought the days of me here at Celtic Park lifting trophies were well and truly gone.
“The players, the coaching staff have given me a reason to live.
“This is the most special place on earth. When there is absolute unison in this stadium, it is a sight to behold.
“We made plenty of mistakes, but there’s great mental courage in the team, which has carried us over the line.
“It’s very easy to be patronising, but Hearts are the big story of this season. They are terrific, the manager has been fantastic.”
Celtic defender Alistair Johnston: “It’s the greatest league win – it must be of all time. Never count us out. We just felt like we were going to find a way. Unbelievable.
“[Martin O’Neill] is a winner. Build him a statue, it’s as simple as that. He just finds a way to win.”
Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren: “It feels so amazing. we’ve been fighting so much all season and now we’re champions.
“It’s been a very difficult season but we kept fighting, kept believing so I’m so proud of everyone in the team.
“I was not so nervous [before the game]. We had everything to win so I think they were more nervous than we were.”
…
Resilient Celtic time run perfectly to win race after eight-month chase
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c0m24m3nd1vo
Celtic lift Premiership trophy after dramatic final day
By
Tom English
BBC Scotland’s chief sports writer
Published
16 May 2026
Watch Celtic v Hearts highlights on iPlayer
16/05/26
Watch on iPlayer
For eight months Celtic chased Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Eight months, a game of catch-up for 32 games, 2,880 on-field minutes, 48 hours.
They stayed in the fight, somehow. Kicking and screaming, they won matches they looked like they weren’t going to win, dug out key goals in the dying seconds, triumphed over their own mediocrity at times, driven on by Martin O’Neill.
Somewhere in the city, somebody is chiselling away at a statue of the 74-year-old. Somewhere in the city you hope, also, that security people are poring over footage of Celtic fans on the pitch.
The invasion was an outpouring of emotion but it careered so far over the line as to be an outrage. An investigation will be launched; swift and with proper punishments, you’d hope.
Certainly, Hearts staff were enraged. They got on their bus and got out of there as fast as they could. They deserved a whole better than that. We’ll be hearing plenty more about those scenes.
But this was O’Neill’s piece de resistance – his moment, his day.
Last-day dramas are nothing new to him. In a previous life at Celtic Park he lost two titles in the last match of the season. This one went to the wire as well. Of course.
Only a dozen minutes of normal time remained in this season to end all seasons – Celtic were drawing, which meant that Hearts were winning. They piled forward, the late-goal kings of Scotland, the 90th-minute heroes, but nothing was sticking.
With 11 minutes left, Kelechi Iheanacho hit a post. With 10 to go, Benjamin Nygren forced a dramatic save out of Alexander Schwolow.
Time ticked on, slowly. Hearts were champions with nine minutes to play, eight minutes, seven minutes. Six, five and four minutes on the clock and Hearts were winning the league, smashing to smithereens that established order; history-makers, epoch definers.
From their first league game under Brendan Rodgers and onwards – through the turbulence of O’Neill part one, the calamity of Wilfried Nancy and then O’Neill part two – Celtic had been playing for 57 hours since the start of the season.
Yet it took until three minutes from the end of the 90 here for them to get their nose in front and score the goal that ultimately won the title.
There’s leaving it late – then there is this. Daizen Maeda was the man again. Maeda and the comeback boy Callum Osmand, who delivered the cross for his Japanese team-mate in his first game since early November. Resilience, in other words.
Maeda has been an electrifying force these past weeks; full of energy and bite and goals. He came alive when his team needed him, scoring in each of his past five league games. Seven goals in that run.
The man was in tears afterwards, utterly spent, completely overcome.
Celtic celebrate after clinching title on dramatic final day
So much history made but Hearts fall short
For much of the day, Celtic had been true to their season-long form, lacking in threat, creativity and accuracy. Hearts coped with them easily for the longest time.
After more than half an hour, Celtic had registered zero shots on target and had just two touches of the ball in Hearts’ penalty area.
So far, so good for the wannabe disruptors. And then, so much better. Lawrence Shankland’s back-post header put them ahead. It was their first attempt on target all day. It had to be Shankland. The captain, the inspiration, the totem of Tynecastle.
Celtic needed two goals now. Arne Engels provided one of them from the penalty spot – no argument this time. O’Neill brought on Iheanacho for the second half and he made a difference. Later, Osmand appeared, and what an impact he had.
All the while, Hearts men were dropping. Beni Baningime was invalided out of the action, and in rapid fire Michael Steinwender, Stephen Kingsley and Alexandros Kyziridis went down. They carried on, but they were struggling, pushed back all the time by the gathering menace in green and white.
They were dealing with everything Celtic were throwing at them, though.
The hour-mark came and went, then the 70-minute mark and there was barely a coherent stir from Celtic. Iheanacho hitting a post sounded the bugle on the cavalry charge. Maeda landed the critical blow.
We went into eight minutes of added time. Hearts blew a gasket in trying to get level; their intensity and desire to score was so palpable that you could reach out and touch it.
McGregor kept the faith to lead Celtic to title
In Jamboland, those minutes must have been murderous and cruel. The angst must have been off the charts. So much done, so much history made and yet it wasn’t enough.
Osmand broke away to score seconds before the end, two team-mates running in his slipstream with every man in maroon up the other end. What a moment that must have been for the youngster, a free run on goal, an open target and the noise of 60,000 fans screaming in his ears.
There was still 30 seconds left to play when the invasion happened, but that time was binned in the chaos. On streamed the Celtic supporters and eye-witness reports with a clear view say things got ugly.
SPFL were informed by match officials later that the final whistle had been blown but still it was a pitiful end to a glorious moment for the home team. A shameful way to treat the visitors, who have given us so much this season, so many supreme moments, so much that made the title race the greatest in the lifetime of so many.
Hearts will be distraught, naturally, but there is a sense that this is just the beginning of their story, that they will come again and again under the management of Derek McInnes, the data analysis of Jamestown Analytics, the backing of the Foundation of Hearts, Tony Bloom and James Anderson, their benefactor-in-chief.
None of that will ease their pain in the here and now. Until they get over the line in this league then that hurt will be an open wound. There has to be enormous pride, too. And hope. A bittersweet season.
Celtic have so much work to do, so many important foundations to put in place for next season. O’Neill pulled off a feat of escapology that wouldn’t have been required had the decision-makers above him not been so slapstick for so long.
They’ll do a review, no doubt, but they’ll be doing it from a position of strength. Champions again, just. And this time, more than any other time, ‘just’ was enough.
‘Celtic gave me reasons to live’ – but O’Neill unsure about staying on
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cm2pz2v8j8ro
Martin O’Neill won his fourth league title with Celtic, 21 years on from his third
ByGeorge O’Neill
BBC Sport Scotland
Published
16 May 2026
Watch Celtic v Hearts highlights on iPlayer
16/05/26
Watch on iPlayer
Martin O’Neill says Celtic have given him “reasons to live” after their stunning Scottish Premiership triumph, but the 74-year-old insists he does not know whether he will stay on beyond this season.
The Northern Irishman has taken interim charge across two spells this season – either side of Wilfried Nancy’s brief and unsuccessful tenure – and led Celtic to his fourth league title with the club, 21 years on from his third.
His side hosted Hearts on Saturday needing to win to leapfrog the Tynecastle outfit at the summit, which they managed in dramatic circumstances as late goals from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand secured a 3-1 victory.
O’Neill could even make it a double next weekend when Celtic face Championship side Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final.
“I feel rejuvenated,” O’Neill said. “The players and the staff have given me a reason to live. That’s not to say my family haven’t…
“I was in this very spot last season talking to Brendan about winning it and I was really jealous. Not for one minute did I think I’d be back here.
“In October, I was having coffee on the King’s Road in London, enjoying retirement. I thought the days of me here at Celtic Park lifting trophies were well and truly gone.
“It has been really sensational for me. I really can’t believe it.”
Given the regard in which he is held by Celtic supporters, there will inevitably be questions as to whether O’Neill continues in the role next season.
When asked directly amid the post-match celebrations at Parkhead, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Sunderland manager refused to commit.
“I genuinely don’t know,” he said. “Has anybody talked to me? No, but I wasn’t expecting that. There will be time for conversations after the cup final.
“I’m pretty old so it does take it out of you. I’m a bit-part in proceedings. They see me every day the players, this old man, and think ‘what’s he doing here?’
“This is the most special place on earth. When there is absolute unison in this stadium, it is a sight to behold.
“Obviously the players have been magnificent, epitomised by the captain, but we could not have won it without [the fans]. I’m delighted for them.
“Let’s see what next week brings.”
Truth stranger than fiction as O’Neill leads Celtic from hostility to happiness
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cvgzny3xzn4o
Celtic lift Premiership trophy after dramatic final day
By
Tom English
BBC Scotland’s chief sports writer
Published
16 May 2026
Watch Celtic v Hearts highlights on iPlayer
16/05/26
Watch on iPlayer
On a grim Sunday at Tannadice in March, Celtic lost 2-0 to Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United, a defeat that put them five points behind Hearts, and two behind Rangers.
Martin O’Neill, a strange amalgam of dejection and defiance, didn’t mince his words about how wounding the defeat was, but he was strong on all hope not being lost.
Celtic, he said, would have to win seven out of seven on the run-in.
“We disappointed an awful lot of people today,” he remarked. “It’s been difficult since I’ve set foot in the place. This is a blow but we’re not finished yet.”
The truth was that O’Neill and Celtic were only getting started.
He asked for seven wins on the bounce and, up until Saturday’s endgame in Glasgow, he had six. Tense, nervous, only occasionally impressive and frequently a grind, but 18 points from a possible 18 while in chasing mode.
It was an illustration of a doggedness that wasn’t there in the final weeks of Brendan Rodgers’ time and that was embarrassingly absent during the calamitous weeks of Wilfried Nancy’s period in charge.
Now they’ve made it 21 points out of 21 and they’re champions again. They’ve hunted down and overtaken a Hearts side that has done very little wrong all season.
After walking into a shambles, exiting and then re-entering an even bigger shambles, O’Neill has won 19 of his 23 Premiership games with just two losses.
They are not impressive winners but they are worthy winners. They’ve triumphed on the back of spirit rather than class.
They’ve benefitted from some extremely controversial calls along the way – particularly in recent weeks – but a race is run across an entire campaign and their fans will not be slow in telling you about decisions they felt went against them, and for Hearts, over the past 10 months.
That’s a wearying game to play, not that it’s stopping people from playing it.
Title only masks season of discontent
Their victory merits proper analysis, though. The Celtic board should be doing a deep dive on this stuff rather than solely basking in their win and concluding that another title shows that not much is wrong at Celtic Park, when it plainly is.
After the cheering they need to do some serious analysing. They need some brutal honesty.
Celtic won the league with 82 points – 10 fewer than last season, 11 fewer than the season before, 17 fewer than the season before that. If you have high standards, then that direction of travel should be seen as a challenge.
They scored 73 goals – a massive reduction on last season’s 112, and on the 95, 114, 92 and 92 in the seasons that went before. It’s their lowest tally of league goals in 19 years.
That’s a stark reflection on their lame search for a striker to replace Kyogo Furuhashi, who left well over a year ago. His countryman, Daizen Maeda, coming good at the end of the season was enormously significant.
They conceded 41 league goals – their highest total in 33 years. That is, in part, a consequence of something outside their control. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston only played 13 league games between them.
Celtic might well end up with a double that nobody saw coming. That’s on O’Neill, and his ability to navigate his way through the toxicity that’s existed in the club all season.
For O’Neill, this is fairytale stuff. A gap of 20 years and another title.
Celtic celebrate after clinching title on dramatic final day
At the start of the season, with Rodgers seemingly imperious, the notion that the septuagenarian was going to return to Parkhead not just once but twice, and steer home a troubled club, would have been outlandish.
Truth, sometimes, is stranger than fiction.
And Celtic’s truth has been wild. O’Neill has ensured a happy ending, but so much of what went before was angry and divisive. Hostility reigned supreme until an uneasy truce towards the end of the season.
It all kicked off with that Champions League exit at the hands of Kairat Almaty. Two games, zero goals and a transfer window that enraged the supporters. Celtic won four games out of 12 in Europe.
The summer arrivals: Kieran Tierney, Isaac English, Ross Doohan, Benjamin Nygren, Callum Osmand, Hayato Inamura, Shin Yamada, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, Marcelo Saracchi, Sebastien Tounekti and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Only five of those made it into double figures in league appearances. Others rarely, if ever, featured.
Rodgers said a few of them were “club signings”, the inference being that they weren’t his choices. His rhetoric caused ructions behind the scenes. It would spill out in public soon enough.
Rodgers, agitated and agitating about the business done in the market, infamously likened his squad to a Honda Civic rather than the Ferrari he wanted to drive. In October, Celtic lost 2-0 to Dundee and 3-1 to Hearts and he resigned.
On his way out he received a verbal blast, the like of which has never been seen before in Scottish football. Dermot Desmond, the major shareholder, issued a statement that filleted Rodgers in the most brutal way.
The former manager had been “divisive, misleading, and self-serving”, said Desmond. He had “contributed to a toxic atmosphere and fuelled hostility towards members of the executive team and the board. Some of the abuse directed at them, and at their families, has been entirely unwarranted and unacceptable”.
The surreality of the situation – the raging fans, the vengeful Desmond and the fallen former hero Rodgers – was enough to be getting on with, but it was also revealed that O’Neill was on his way back as interim manager two decades after he left the club and more than six years since he’d managed at any level.
O’Neill had been on radio tipping Hearts to win the league earlier in the day. Now his job was to restore order amid the chaos. A footballing civil war had been raging. Rodgers had lived through it and now it was O’Neill’s turn.
He was in charge for five league games and won all five. Then Nancy took over, championed by Paul Tisdale, the lesser-spotted head of football operations.
The decision to appoint Nancy – and Tisdale, too – was a monumental and needless punt and it blew up in Celtic’s face literally on day one when they lost 2-1 to Hearts, then 2-1 at Dundee United in the next league game. In between the two, Nancy lost the League Cup final to St Mirren.
If O’Neill had managed to dial down the venom a touch in his brief first spell, it was now cranked right back up again, with added poison.
Table when O’Neill returned for second stint
Supporters railed against the problems that were, in their view, destroying the club; Nancy and Tisdale, hapless transfer windows, lousy communication, indifference to the thoughts of fans, a sense of drift and a feeling of a hierarchy asleep at the wheel.
Banners and songs eviscerated the decision-makers. At November’s AGM, Desmond’s representative – his son Ross – castigated fans, saying the board would not be “bullied by aggressive and irrational criticism.”
While a small element of the support at the meeting shouted him down – it was then abandoned – he spoke of attempts to “dehumanise and vilify” chairman Peter Lawwell and chief executive, Michael Nicholson. He called it “shameful”.
Desmond Jnr’s comments were like petrol on a fire. Relationships between club and board were torched. Lawwell resigned the following month, saying that he’d had enough of the abuse and the threats from sinister elements.
Nancy was put out of his misery in the first week of January, after Motherwell had embarrassed his side 2-0 at Fir Park, before Rangers went to Celtic Park and won 3-1. Tisdale exited, too.
There was now no permanent manager, no permanent chairman, no sporting director or head of football operations and nothing much in the way of a properly functioning recruitment department. The team looked beaten.
Old bhoy O’Neill proves he’s still got it
In a vaguely comical scene, O’Neill was sent for again. He had a mighty job on his hands.
That January transfer window was supposed to be a massive one. O’Neill was grilled about targets in every interview. He understood why the questions were being asked but he looked exhausted when trying to answer them.
Celtic made desperately heavy weather of getting new blood in the building. They arrived in trickles: Julian Araujo, Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu, Benjamin Arthur, Joel Mvuka and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – five loan signings and a free transfer.
Araujo did well before his injury and Oxlade-Chamberlain scored winners against Livingston and St Mirren, but the rest of them have hardly been mapped.
O’Neill reacts after winning fourth title as Celtic boss
Fan unrest continued. Statement wars. The Green Brigade ultras were banned amid allegations of assault of a steward. Part football manager, part peace envoy, O’Neill looked, at times, like Canute trying to hold back the tide.
After Celtic lost 2-1 to Hibs in late February, they were in third place. When O’Neill’s team fought back to get a 2-2 draw at Ibrox on 1 March, they were eight behind Hearts, albeit with a game in hand.
In the 10 games before the United loss he won seven, drew two and lost one, but that kind of points haul wasn’t going to be enough and O’Neill knew it. That’s why he said they needed seven wins from their next seven. Few thought they would do it.
Only one or two of the seven were comfortable, five of them were by a goal, three won by a goal late on. The penalty decision at Fir Park on the penultimate game of the season was an enormously contentious call by referee John Beaton.
A clear penalty through one lens and an abomination (and worse) through another. Two camps entrenched in their own certainty.
The fallout has been indiscriminate and nasty. A police intervention was required to ensure Beaton’s safety in his own home. The most dramatic season was never likely to end with a whimper.
O’Neill triumphed in the end. He cut through the bedlam of fans versus board, he galvanised a team that looked dead to the world, he spoiled the story that so many people wanted.
It was easy to doubt him in the dog days, but as he proved in the most stressful final months of the campaign, the old bhoy’s still got it.
Celtic retain Scottish title with late goals sparking pitch invasion to leave Hearts devastated#
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic-retain-scottish-title-with-late-goals-sparking-pitch-invasion-to-leave-hearts-devastated-8549835
Mark Atkinson
By Mark Atkinson
Head of SportComments
Published 16th May 2026, 14:48 BST
Updated 16th May 2026, 15:15 BST
Late double sinks Hearts historic title bid at Celtic Park
Celtic retained their Scottish Premiership crown in dramatic scenes at Parkhead with a 3-1 win over Hearts to pip the Jambos to the title.
Late goals from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand sealed the victory for Celtic, with the latter’s strike – the last act of the match – sparking a pitch invasion from the home crowd.
Hearts required just a point to become champions of Scotland for the first time since 1960 and despite taking the lead through Lawrence Shankland, they were unable to see the match out.
Celtic’s Callum Osmand celebrates scoring to make it 3-1 over Hearts and clinch the title. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)
Celtic’s Callum Osmand celebrates scoring to make it 3-1 over Hearts and clinch the title. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group) | SNS Group
Derek McInnes’ side have led the league since September, but veteran manager Martin O’Neill rejuvenated Celtic and with seven wins in a row have pipped Hearts at the post.
The match started cagily, with Hearts happy to invite Celtic on to them. The hosts were unable to break down a well-organised unit in front of them and the visitors appeared comfortable with how the game was playing out.
A set-piece goal appeared the most likely route to an opener and so it proved on 42 minutes. Hearts defender Stephen Kingsley whipped in a devilish corner that Celtic keeper Viljami Sinisalo failed to reach and Hearts captain Shankland nodded in from close range.
Hearts, however, could not last out until half time. Celtic were awarded a penalty when Alexandros Kyziridis handled a cross from Kieran Tierney in the third minute of stoppage time and Arne Engels netted the penalty, the ball fizzing under keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had guessed the right way.
Celtic brought on Kelechi Iheanacho at the break to spruce up their attack and then Hearts were dealt an injury blow on 50 minutes when midfielder Beni Baningime was forced off with a muscle strain.
With time running out and Hearts continuing to hold firm, Celtic boss Martin O’Neill threw on Callum Osmand and the Welsh striker should have done better on 74 minutes when he went himself rather than picking out Daizen Maeda in a rare promising attack. Then Benjamin Nygren saw an effort from close range blocked by Kingsley before an Alistair Johnston free-kick whistled narrowly over the bar.
Celtic were now in the ascendancy and they came so close on 79 minutes when Iheanacho struck the inside of the post, before Nygren forced Schwolow into a smart stop as he turned over the Swede’s netbound effort.
Celtic kept going and eventually found a goal on 88 minutes. Osmand broke down the left and drilled a low cross into the penalty box and Maeda scrambled the ball beyond Schwolow and into the net. While the effort was originally ruled out for offside, a VAR check deemed that the goal should stand and Celtic had the lead.
Eight minutes of stoppage time were added on and Hearts frantically pushed for a winner. They could not find it and Osmand walked the ball into the net on 97 minutes after the visitors pushed forward in search of a goal.
That goal sparked a pitch invasion, with Hearts players slumped to the turf as the title agonising slipped away from them.
Celtic rise to the occasion and break Hearts to retain the title
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/may/16/celtic-are-champions-of-scotland-again-after-dramatic-late-victory/
First Team
By Matthew Campbell
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16 May 2026, 3:31 pm
Scottish Premiership
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Celtic Park
CELTIC…3
(Engels 45 +4, Maeda 87, Osmand 90 +8)
HEARTS…1
(Shankland 43)
After a rollercoaster of a season, the most dramatic in recent memory, Celtic are the champions of Scotland for the 56th time after a 3-1 win over Hearts at Celtic Park, with goals from Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand securing victory for the Hoops.
The Tynecastle side only had to avoid defeat today to ensure that the title went Edinburgh but, just like in 1986, they came unstuck on the final day whilst the Hoops rose to the occasion and sealed five-in-a-row with two late strikes to break Hearts.
The opening 10 minutes were played with the sort of frantic energy that was to be expected of a match with so much at stake, and the vast Celtic support inside Paradise, who created an electric atmosphere from the first whistle, were buoyed by two corners to the Hoops in the opening stages which the visitors from Edinburgh had to deal with.
There were three stoppages in play within the first 25 minutes of the game, with three different Hearts players going down and requiring treatment which meant that there was no real rhythm or flow to the play, though Celtic were trying to play forward and pass their way through.
That approach almost paid dividends when Benjamin Nygren attempted to slip a pass through to Daizen Maeda in the box, but there was too much weight on the ball and it evaded the Japanese forward.
With just over half an hour played, Celtic mounted a dangerous attack, with Callum McGregor winning the ball in the midfield and Arne Engels finding Sebastian Tounekti with a good pass, though the Tunisian’s shot proved to be an easy take for the Hearts keeper.
With less than five minutes to go before half-time, Hearts took the lead. The Tynecastle side have been dangerous from corner-kicks all season, and it was from a corner, delivered by Stephen Kingsley, that Lawrence Shankland made it 1-0 with a header at the back post.
Then, in the first minute of time added on at the end of the first half, the Hoops were handed a lifeline when a ball in to the box from Kieran Tierney was handled by Alexandros Kyziridis, resulting in Don Robertson pointing to the spot.
After some theatrics from Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, Arne Engels stepped up and battered the ball in to the bottom corner, levelling the game at 1-1 and setting up a massive 45 minutes in the second half.
67%
Possession
33%
14
Shots
12
5
Shots On Target
2
9
Corners
6
10
Fouls
9
6
0
Cards
3
0
Martin O’Neill made his first change of the afternoon at half-time, bringing Sebastian Tounekti off for Kelechi Iheanacho.
There was a nervy moment early in to the second half for Celtic when Auston Trusty gave the ball away in the middle of the park, allowing Pierre Landry Kabore a chance to run through on goal, but Vil Sinisalo was quick off of his line and was able to reach the ball first and clear the danger.
On the hour mark, there was another change for Celtic when Yang made way for Celtic’s most decorated player, James Forrest.
With 65 minutes on the clock, Kieran Tierney whipped a dangerous ball in to the Hearts penalty area towards Daizen Maeda, whose header at the back post drifted over the bar and out for a goal kick.
Martin O’Neill made two further changes with Kieran Tierney and Auston Trusty coming off for Marcelo Saracchi and Callum Osmand, the latter making his return to action after recovering from injury.
Arne Engels went close from a free-kick on the edge of the area after he had been brought down, but his effort from the set-piece went wide of the target.
Then it was Iheanacho’s turn to go close, his effort from the edge of the box beat the goalkeeper but rattled the post. Moments later, Nygren forced a big save from Schwolow with an effort from 18 yards out.
With just a few minutes of the 90 remaining, Callum Osmand, who made a huge impact on the game after coming on, went racing down the left wing with the ball before flashing a cross in to the box which was turned in to the net by Daizen Maeda.
The offside flag went up, but after a VAR review, the goal stood and with only minutes of the season remaining, Martin O’Neill’s men had the lead.
Eight minutes were added at the end of the match, a nervous and tense eight minutes for everyone of a Celtic persuasion. Any fears, however, of a late Hearts equaliser were allayed when Callum Osmand put Celtic 3-1 ahead with the last kick of the game.
Hearts’ goalkeeper had gone forward into the Celtic penalty area for a free-kick, but when the ball was cleared forward, Osmand was left running through on an open goal, and he slotted the ball home, with referee Don Robertson whistling for the end of the game and confirming Celtic as champions again.
The sight of Martin O’Neill, whose status as a club legend has only grown over the last few months, with the league trophy in his hands after the match a sight which will live long in the memory for Celtic supporters and will go down in Celtic folklore forever.
In the Hoops’ hour of need, the man from Kilrea answered the call not once, but twice this season, and, once again, he ends the season as a champion, lifting his fourth league title as Celtic manager, with his legacy in the East End of Glasgow enshrined forevermore.
Celtic: Sinisalo, Johnston, Trusty (Osmand 73′), Scales, Tierney (Saracchi 73′), McGregor, Engels, Hyunjun Yang (Forrest 62′), Nygren (Murray 90′), Tounekti (Iheanacho 45′), Maeda
Subs: McCowan, Iheanacho, Osmand, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Doohan, Saracchi, Murray, Forrest, Ralston
Hearts: Schwolow, Kingsley, Steinwender, Findlay, Milne (Chesnokov 68′), Kyziridis (Forrest 67′), Devlin, Baningime (Spittal 51′), Altena (Kent 47′), Shankland, Kaboré (Cláudio Braga 68′)
Subs: Kent, McCart, Cláudio Braga, Borchgrevink, Spittal, Forrest, Kerjota, Fulton, Chesnokov
Callum McGregor: This is my best title ever
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/may/16/callum-mcgregor–this-is-my-best-title-ever/
First Team
By Paul Cuddihy, Celtic View Editor
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16 May 2026, 4:29 pm
Callum McGregor picked up his 11th league title, and he declared this season’s triumph the best ever.
Celtic’s dramatic 3-1 victory over Hearts at Paradise, courtesy of goals from Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand, sealed the club’s fifth title in a row.
And the Celtic captain praised his team-mates for their efforts throughout the course of what has often been a tough campaign.
Speaking to Celtic TV on the pitch after lifting the trophy, Callum McGregor said: “It’s the best… the way the game ended and the emotion. We had to win.
“It wasn’t a great first-half but these boys just keep going and going and going, and eventually we got our reward. What a special day.
‘You can’t do this job without being emotional. You can’t separate the two.’
When things were as bad as they were in December, you feel it every single day and you want to fix it, so when you get it right you also have that equal level of emotion that just spills over.
“This is what this place does to you. You carry it every day in life and to be able to give the supporters this type of day back for such a hard season, I’m so proud of the players.”
Martin O’Neill: To win another title as Celtic manager is like a dream
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/may/16/msrtin-o-neill–to-win-another-title-as-celtic-manager-is-like-a-dream/
First Team
By Paul Cuddihy, Celtic View Editor
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16 May 2026, 5:08 pm
Returning to Celtic as manager and winning another league title has felt like a dream for Martin O’Neill.
In the course of this rollercoaster season, the Irishman has had two spells in charge, and he has guided the Hoops to another Premiership title – their fifth in a row – with a dramatic 3-1 victory over Hearts at Paradise.
Speaking to Celtic TV after the title triumph, the Celtic manager said: “It’s surreal and what we didn’t really want to do was to get as close as we’d done and then not win it. It’s been a fantastic effort.
“Last year I came along as a pundit, so a year later to be here as the manager of the football club, is really, really incredible.
‘I genuinely can’t believe it. It’s like a dream.’
“Of the things that Kieran Tierney’s won, he’s said this is the most special, and it is really special for me. It’s probably because I can’t remember the ones from back on those days!
“I have two grandchildren who were at the game. The three-year-old won’t know what it’s al about – she just keeps saying ‘Celtic, Celtic.’ But the seven-year-old will grasp this and that’s just lovely.
“And I remember when I was manager of Wycombe Wanderers, and my two daughters going across the Wembley pitch when we won the FA Trophy, and this is really special for them now.
“People keep talking about tactics and positions and everything, but at the end of it, we know that things change during the course of the game and you have to have courage to play the game and compete.
“I remember Tommy Burns once saying that he felt it was more difficult to play for Celtic than against them, and players have to rise to the occasion, with sixty-thousand people demanding it.”
Callum Osmand: My life just feels like a movie!
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/may/16/callum-osmand–my-life-just-feels-like-a-movie-/
First Team
By Paul Cuddihy, Celtic View Editor
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16 May 2026, 6:00 pm
Callum Osmand returned to action for the first time since November 6 last year, having endured a six-month absence through injury.
And the 20-year-old marked his return in spectacular style, coming off the bench in the 73 minute to provide an assist for Daizen Maeda before scoring Celtic’s third goal with the last kick of the game to seal the league title in style.
And speaking to Celtic TV after the game, he said: “I’ve got no words. It feels like my life is like a movie.
‘This is unbelievable and I don’t think there’s a better club in the world.’
“I had six months and I wasn’t able to give anything and it was out of my hands, and it was really tough, but the lads have been unbelievable. I’ve just put the cherry on the cake. I’m so happy.
“To be honest, I thought there was a keeper in goal and I was just running, thinking, I could make a mess this up, but as soon as I saw there was no keeper my eyes lit up and I just started smiling. It was amazing.
“I love this club so much. I’ve only been here a year – I wanted to give so much more this year but you can’t and it was out of my control, but I know what I can bring to the team and I was ready.
“I’ve worked hard and it wasn’t a fun six months, but this just makes it all worth it and the fans are just at another level. They’re the best in the world.”
Celtic 3-1 Hearts: Martin O’Neill’s side crowned Scottish Premiership champions on final day as Jambos miss out on historic title
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13544351/celtic-3-1-hearts-martin-oneills-side-crowned-scottish-premiership-champions-on-final-day-as-jambos-miss-out-on-historic-title
Martin O’Neill’s Celtic beat Hearts 3-1 on the final day of the Scottish Premiership campaign to win a fifth consecutive title; Hoops have now won a record 56 top-flight titles, surpassing Rangers; Hearts had led the league for 250 days but finished second, two points behind the champions
By Sahil Jaidka & Alison Conroy
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:39, UK
Celtic have been crowned Scottish Premiership champions after beating Hearts 3-1 in a dramatic final-day title decider.
Martin O’Neill’s side knew only a victory would do if they were to leapfrog Hearts, who had been top for 250 days, and they got just that thanks to two late goals from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand to get them over the line.
Amid a season of chaos, fan protests and managerial departures, the Parkhead club showed why they have been Scotland’s dominant force over the past decade – with this being their 14th top-flight crown in 15 seasons.
The 74-year-old O’Neill returned to guide the club through choppy waters, having taken over with Celtic six points off the summit – but ending the campaign two points clear of the Jambos.
With one trophy in the bag, O’Neill is just 90 minutes away from guiding Celtic to a domestic double with the Scottish Cup final on May 23 against former captain Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline.
How did Celtic seal another title?
Lawrence Shankland was left unmarked to head in the opener at the back post as chants of “we shall not be moved” erupted in the away end.
But there was of course drama to come.
A Kieran Tierney cross was stopped by the arm of Alexandros Kyziridis and referee Don Robertson pointed to the penalty spot.
Arne Engels stepped up and fired low under the diving Alexander Schwolow as an unbelievable title race took another twist.
Hearts lost Beni Baningime and Pierre Landry Kabore to injury as Celtic dominated possession and piled on the pressure after the break.
Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho hit the post and Schwolow pulled off brilliant saves to deny Benjamin Nygren and Maeda.
Then in the 87th minute, Celtic found their breakthrough.
Maeda forced in Osmand’s low cross, only for the offside flag to go up. However VAR intervened to overturn the decision with replays clearly showing Osmand was onside before receiving the ball to tee up Maeda.
With Hearts then chasing an equaliser, Schwolow came up for a set-piece, but it came to nothing and Osmand broke clear to tap a third into the empty net as the Celtic fans burst out of the stands and on to the pitch.
However, several confronted the crestfallen Hearts players who were ushered down the tunnel by club officials – concerned for their safety.
The game had been approaching the end of the indicated eight minutes added on, but it is understood the SPFL were informed by match officials that the full-time whistle was blown at this stage.
With Celtic’s players and supporters still inside the ground waiting to lift the trophy, the Hearts team bus left Parkhead with players still in their match kits within 20 minutes of the full-time whistle and did not carry out their post-match media duties.
Hearts later released a strong statement, saying their players and staff had reported “serious physical and verbal abuse” following the “disgraceful” pitch invasion. Celtic, SPFL and Police Scotland have been approached for comment.
O’Neill: Players have given me a reason to live!
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill on Sky Sports:
Martin O’Neill admitted he thought his days of lifting trophies at Celtic Park gone
“The players and coaching staff have given me a reason to live! That’s not to say my family haven’t! But this is the most special place on earth.
“When there is unison in this stadium it is a sight to behold and obviously the players have been magnificent, optimised by the captain but we could not have won it without the supporters.
“I had a great team back then. That team won their matches for me and this is exactly what this team has done, they’ve won the games for me.
“Celtic today, when there is unison in the stadium, it’s rocking. And they never give up. Maybe I did, but they didn’t.
“I’m never sure about momentum because that can change in an instant. People kept saying we had momentum and we were striding hard. If you’d asked me before we played Rangers, would I take it into the final day? I would’ve bitten your arm off. So, we did it here. If Hearts had gone and got the result, we couldn’t have done any more. We put our heart and soul into the games.
“We made plenty of mistakes but there is plenty of courage in the team. I’m not talking about physical courage but mental courage which has carried us over the line.”
Sutton: O’Neill’s biggest success | Will he do another season?
Sky Sports’ Chris Sutton at Celtic Park:
“It’s all about Martin O’Neill, magic Martin. How he has turned this around, I couldn’t tell you.
“Celtic have stuttered and spluttered this season but Martin has got the old Honda Civic roaring again. When it mattered, a magnificent seven wins on the trot to take Celtic over the line.
“You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t sympathise with Hearts, they have had a magnificent season. They have been top and held their own all the way.
“This may be Martin O’Neill’s biggest ever success in management. When Celtic lost away at Dundee United, O’Neill said they needed to win every game.
“There wasn’t a supporter in the country who thought this Celtic team were capable of that.
“Will Martin do another season? The job he’s done not once, but twice.
“He’s looked absolutely knackered, but to get the team to this point. If he wants to, why wouldn’t you give him the job?
“In end the best team wins the league and Celtic have found a way under Martin O’Neill and it is absolutely incredible.
“You heard him talking after Dundee United that they had to win every game but the performances weren’t there. But there is something about digging deep and finding ways.
“Today they weren’t great again. Maeda – what a strange season he’s had but towards the end he’s come good. He’s like Maradona again!”
McGregor: Everyone wrote us off
Celtic captain Callum McGregor on Sky Sports:
“For the first time ever. I’m speechless! You can see what it means to everyone. What a season, down and out, everyone wrote us off and it is only because of what happens inside this building that special things can happen.
“We knew we’d get a chance. We keep going and going. What a special group of people.
“Magical.”
‘It’ll take a lot of time for Hearts to get over this’
James McFadden on Sky Sports:
“It will take a lot of time for Hearts to get over this, but when they can they have to take a step back.
“They have pushed Celtic all the way and they were so close. It’s a credit to the players and to Derek McInnes.”
The record books have been rewritten
Before kick-off, the big question was whether Hearts could become the first non-Old Firm club to become champions since 1960. By the end, it is Celtic who have once again rewritten the record books.
Since 1930, Rangers had more league titles to their name, but in recent years that gap had narrowed, before Celtic drew level on 55 last season. Now, they lead that race on their own with 56.
It has been a generation of domination, with the Hoops winning the league 20 times compared to Rangers’ six since 2000.
The bragging rights well and truly belong to Celtic.
Vote: Who was key for the champions?
Concerns over form. Frustration over recruitment. Celtic fans were worried in the summer and during January over those who did, or didn’t, come through the doors at Parkhead.
However, they did have players in the building who could deliver. They did deliver.
Daizen Maeda perhaps didn’t hit the heights of last season, but he delivered when it mattered on the final day. That winner was his seventh league goal in the final month of the campaign, having netted just as many during the rest of it. Benjamin Nygren also racked up 16 goals and five assists in the Premiership.
Returning Kieran Tierney also had doubters amid fitness concerns but a total of 14 goal contributions has made him a key figure both in defence and going forward. Kelechi Iheanacho has had fitness issues of his own, having not played for four months prior to his move to Glasgow, which came following the summer window. Eight of his 12 appearances have been from the bench – but four of his five goals have been late winners, turning five points into 15.
Then, there’s leader Callum McGregor. It takes a certain mentality to win the title – he’s done it 11 times now and five as captain. He might not have been at his best, but he’s led by example.
Hyun-Jun Yang played his part too with 10 goal contributions, James Forrest became the first player to win 14 Scottish top-flight titles, the list goes on. Vote for your standout player below.
Celtic 3-1 Hearts: Martin O’Neill’s team show spirit of champions to rip up visitors’ fairytale ending
Story by Mark Donaldson and Tom Chambers
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/soccer/celtic-3-1-hearts-martin-oneills-team-show-spirit-of-champions-to-rip-up-visitors-fairytale-ending/ar-AA23m8W8
espn
• 12h • 5 min read
Celtic denied Hearts a historic Scottish Premiership triumph as a come-from-behind victory for Martin O’Neill’s team saw them clinch a 14th title in 15 years with a 3-1 win over their rivals in Glasgow on Saturday.
After 40 years of Old Firm supremacy, it had seemed as though the 40-year dominance enjoyed by Rangers and Celtic over Scotland’s top flight was due to come to an end after Derek McInnes’ Hearts led the way from September, but Saturday’s title decider produced a dramatic late twist.
Celtic had it all to do with half-time approaching, as Hearts — who needed just a draw to be confirmed as champions — looked in a commanding position after captain Lawrence Shankland had headed them in front.
But a penalty, awarded for a handball by Alexandros Kyziridis, allowed Arne Engels to equalise in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time.
Celtic were on top for much of the second half, but were unable to make their dominance count until Daizen Maeda’s 87th-minute goal was allowed to stand after a VAR check for offside.
Callum Osmand made sure of the points, and the destination of the Scottish Premiership trophy, when he took advantage of Hearts’ need to throw all 11 players forward in the closing stages. After Celtic cleared, Osmand broke up the pitch and eventually rolled the ball into an empty net, prompting supporters to spill onto the pitch and the full-time whistle to be blown. — Chambers.
O’Neill embodies Celtic’s winning mentality
Up until the 82nd minute in 11 of Celtic’s 38 league games this season — including Saturday’s title win over Hearts — the Scottish champions were on course to pick up only 10 of the 33 points available. However, when you add goals they’ve scored in the last eight minutes plus stoppage time of those matches, then their returns, incredibly, rise to 30 points from a possible 33.
From Luke McCowan’s deflected shot against St Mirren on the first day of the season to Maeda and Osmand on the final day — and late goals in between against Kilmarnock, Motherwell, St Mirren, Aberdeen, Livingston, Kilmarnock, Rangers, Dundee and Motherwell on Wednesday — this league title has been won thanks to Celtic’s never-say-die approach.
Much of the credit for that resilience, has to be credited to Martin O’Neill — a man who has effectively come out of the managerial wilderness twice in order to save Celtic this season. First, when the 74-year-old had an eight-game stint following Brendan Rodgers’ acrimonious exit in October, and then when he returned in January after Wilfried Nancy’s disastrous eight-game spell.
With 10 goals scored in stoppage time in the Scottish Premiership this season, there are very few teams in world football that could argue they deserve the crown of ‘Mentality Monsters’ more than O’Neill’s Celtic. — Donaldson.
Heart-break, again
In 1964-65 Hearts lost the league to Kilmarnock on goal average (goals scored divided by goals conceded) on the final day, in 1985-86 Hearts lost the league to Dundee on goal difference on the final day, and now in 2025-26 Hearts lost the league to Celtic with just three minutes left to play on the final day.
Related video: Hearts call for strong action after ‘shameful’ scenes at Celtic (Reuters)
Reuters
Derek McInnes and his players, 150-1 shots to win the Scottish Premiership in May last year, were top of the table this season for 250 days, on course to win their first top flight title since 1960 and, in doing so, becoming the first non-Glasgow team to do so since Sir Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen in 1985.
Minority shareholder Tony Bloom — the Brighton owner — said at the start of the season that he believed Hearts could split the Old Firm, and they have done, while Bloom also claimed the Jam Tarts would win the title within 10 years.
The fact they nearly did so in 10 months is a remarkable feat, but ultimately Celtic did what Celtic do best and yet another late show from the Hoops caused Heart-break for the Jambos on the final day once again. — Donaldson.
– Hearts investigating ‘shameful scenes’ that forced hasty Celtic Park exit
– Report: Celtic deny Hearts a historic title as they clinch Scottish Premiership triumph
– Celtic boss Martin O’Neill: Another title win ‘never in my wildest dreams’
Hearts left to rue three pivotal VAR decisions
Of course it came down to VAR — that’s been the story of this week in Scottish football.
With just three minutes remaining of the 90 at Celtic Park, assistant referee David Roome raised his flag for offside to seemingly deny Maeda the title-winning goal, the Japanese international converting Osmand’s cutback from the left.
However, replays would show the flag was incorrect. Osmand was in an onside position initially and Maeda ruled inactive, and after a two-minute check VAR intervened to confirm the goal was good.
It’s another gut punch in a week of them for Hearts, but this time it was the ultimate knockout shot to the solar plexus.
They were denied at penalty at Fir Park last Saturday with VAR intervening to have the play stopped for a foul on Alex Kyziridis, but referee Steven McLean stuck with his initial decision. The Scottish FA Key Match Incident panel on Friday agreed that McLean was wrong not to award a spot kick.
Then on Wednesday, and at the same venue, Celtic scored from the spot with the final kick of the ball at Motherwell to win 3-2 following an extremely controversial handball.
While Saturday’s decision was less controversial, it won’t have soothed the pain of this team seeing the title slip through their fingers. — Donaldson.
Key stats
Lawrence Shankland has scored the opening goal in six Scottish Premiership matches this season
Celtic have won eight penalties in the Scottish Premiership this season, no team has won more
They have scored 33 first-half goals in 38 games, no team has scored more in the Scottish Premiership this season
Celtic have scored 18 goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half, only Rangers (20) have scored more in the Premiership this season
Maeda has contributed to goals in his last three home games in the Scottish Premiership (five goals, one assist)
Hearts had a record of W20, D2, L1 when scoring the opening goal in their league fixtures this season
Information from ESPN’s Global Sports Research contributed to this story.
Celtic 3-1 Hearts: Late goals clinch title in dramatic decider – Live
Story by George Flood
• 14h • 25 min read
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https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/soccer/celtic-3-1-hearts-late-goals-clinch-title-in-dramatic-decider-live/ar-AA23kMh6
LIVE – Updated at 17:59
Celtic vs Hearts LIVE!
An extraordinary Scottish Premiership title race got a fittingly dramatic conclusion in Glasgow. Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand both scored late goals to snatch glory and a remarkable 3-1 victory for Celtic in an epic final-day decider, cruelly denying Hearts a first top-flight title since 1960 that would have seen them become the first club from outside of Scotland’s Old Firm rivalry to win it since Sir Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen side some 41 years ago.
Having brushed aside Falkirk in midweek, Derek McInnes’ men went into the day sitting top of the table by a point and would have been champions by avoiding defeat at Celtic Park. Captain Lawrence Shankland looked to have sent them on their way after powering in a close-range header from a corner as half-time approached, with a cagey and tense contest suddenly erupting into life as Arne Engels quickly levelled from the penalty spot after Alexandros Kyziridis handled Kieran Tierney’s cross inside the box.
Celtic knew following their massively controversial last-gasp victory at Motherwell on Wednesday that an eighth successive win by any scoreline would see them crowned again, though time looked to be running out as Kelechi Iheanacho struck the post before Maeda turned home an Osmand cross. The goal was initially ruled out for offside before being given following a VAR check, with Osmand then netting himself in the eighth minute of stoppage time after Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow had gone up for a free-kick, with Celtic’s third sparking a pitch invasion involving thousands of home fans. Follow Celtic vs Hearts reaction live below!
Celtic vs Hearts latest news
Callum McGregor hails ‘incredible’ Celtic comeback
17:59 , George Flood
Long-serving captain Callum McGregor continues to add to his huge collection of major trophies at Celtic, ranking today’s title as one of the most memorable.
“Wow, I don’t think I’ll have many better days than that – it was incredible,” he said.
“It was a massive pressure game. I could feel the tension – first half especially – but then once we got playing and got going, it felt like the goal was coming.
“But when you get to like five minutes left, I’m thinking ‘maybe this is one step too far’. Credit to the boys, though, they keep going, they never stop fighting.
“That’s why we’ve won the league, to be honest. It’s not really to do with football, it’s heart and desire and willingness to win and commitment to each other that has taken us over the line.
“We’ve taken so many knocks along the way. Normally we do things pretty well and by the time you get to this stage, it’s kind of a foregone conclusion.
“This time, it’s a cup final-type day where you have to win. But we managed to get over the line and what a special day it is for us.”
(PA)
Martin O’Neill comments on Celtic future after title triumph
17:56 , George Flood
However, the 74-year-old Martin O’Neill also admitted that this season had “taken its toll” on him and confirmed that he expected next weekend’s Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline at Hampden Park to be his final game in charge.
Related video: Celtic fans erupt as title returns to Glasgow after dramatic win (Daily Mail)
Daily Mail
Celtic fans erupt as title returns to Glasgow after dramatic win
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“I’ve just spoken to Dermot Desmond and he didn’t indicate otherwise,” said O’Neill. “I would imagine so.”
Martin O’Neill: Title win is surreal… it’s like a dream
17:53 , George Flood
Here’s more from Martin O’Neill on Celtic’s phenomenal title revival under his stewardship and today’s unforgettable finale.
“It’s surreal,” said O’Neill. “Last year I was here as a pundit. A year later to be here as manager is really really incredible. I genuinely can’t believe it. It’s like a dream.
“I never thought I would ever stand on a winner’s podium at this club again, not in a million years.
“Lifting the trophy was the best feeling in the world. There is nothing like that.
“We have been in front for eight or nine minutes. This group have been through a lot, a resignation, me coming in and leaving, another fella coming in and leaving. That is disturbing for a team.
“We have lots of things to put right but the fighting spirit in the camp is special. For all the tactics in the world, it is about heart.
“Great players can pick a pass, and it looks great, like the tactics are working a treat. We might not have that, so we have to show some heart.
“Hearts have been brilliant this year and it is a wake up call to Celtic and Rangers.
“They have been the story of the year. They were six or seven minutes from winning it and if they had they would have deserved it.”
(PA)
17:48 , George Flood
Here are some pictures of the Hearts players leaving Celtic Park earlier reportedly within 20 minutes of the game ending, some still in their match kits.
Many appeared emotional and crestfallen as they walked past their fans, who still showed their support for what was an incredible season despite the gut-wrenching finish.
17:44 , George Flood
We await an official Hearts statement on that pitch invasion that led to their hasty retreat from Celtic Park.
They have not posted on social media since the game finished.
Martin O’Neill was asked about the reports of what occurred during those ugly scenes during his post-match interviews.
“If some Hearts players have been accosted, then that’s just not right at all,” he said.
“I genuinely didn’t see the scenes at the end because I thought the game wasn’t over, so I’m trying to push some of our fans off the pitch again to play whatever’s left.
“Obviously, at 3-1, I think that the fourth official had said to me, there was like a minute to go when we scored the goal, so with the best will in the world, they’re not going to get two goals in that time.
“Obviously, there’s a lot of commotion in the tunnel, so I don’t know, but getting back to the point, if Hearts players have been accosted by some of our fans, that’s pretty serious.
“Honestly, I’m not pushing it to the side, it’ll be something that the officials or people will have to look at.”
17:39 , George Flood
The moment that Celtic lifted Scottish title number 56.
Their fifth in a row and 14th in the last 15 seasons.
16:46 , George Flood
That is now eight major trophies for Martin O’Neill as Celtic manager, a fourth league title and first since 2004.
Is number nine quickly on its way at Hampden Park?
15:56 , George Flood
After the most thrilling of title battles and despite a very difficult season by their standards featuring so much upheaval and unrest, the Scottish Premiership season ends in familiar scenes… with Celtic lifting the trophy.
What an impact from Martin O’Neill during two separate interim stints back at the club this term, following Brendan Rodgers’ exit and the disastrous 33-day tenure of Wilfried Nancy.
A fitting way for him to bow out, unless he fancies taking the job on again full-time, of course. Though he did turn 74 in March.
He’s still got a double to win first as he goes up against former captain Neil Lennon and surprise package Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final next Saturday.
The storylines just keep on coming in this remarkable season!
15:47 , George Flood
So much to digest after that.
You will be hearing much more about the pitch invasion involving what looked like thousands of home fans.
I’m still not sure if the full-time whistle actually blew before it following Osmand’s goal. I don’t think it did.
There were reports of Celtic fans confronting Hearts players in ugly scenes.
Concerned Hearts officials reportedly called their players down the tunnel and it is also being reported that they had left the stadium within 20 minutes without conducting post-match media duties and with a police escort, with some still in their match kits.
Celtic 3-1 Hearts
14:39 , George Flood
Full-time
It appears that the full-time whistle has now gone at Celtic Park, but it was total bedlam for a little while there.
Complete and utter heartbreak for Hearts, who were just minutes away from winning their first title since 1960 and becoming the first club to break the Old Firm’s dominance for 41 years.
But Celtic’s late show ends up dramatically sealing a fifth straight title and a record 56th overall to move one clear of arch-rivals Rangers on the all-time list.
They have won 15 of the last 16 titles now and will be favourites to clinch a double when they meet second-tier Dunfermline under Neil Lennon in the Scottish Cup final next weekend.
This most tumultuous of seasons could have ended in yet another domestic treble, were it not for St Mirren’s exploits in the League Cup final.
What an impact Martin O’Neill has had back in Glasgow.
Of all Celtic’s titles, this has to rank right up there. Remarkable.
GOAL! Celtic 3-1 Hearts | Callum Osmand 98′
14:32 , George Flood
98 mins: Celtic need to find some composure here as Maeda gives the ball away easily and captain McGregor is booked for a wild challenge.
Goalkeeper Schwolow is up for Spittal’s free-kick, but it’s headed away and now Celtic will surely add a last-gasp third goal to wrap up this incredible title win.
Osmand sprints clear from inside his own half and eventually taps it into an empty net.
It prompts a pitch invasion and it is now utter pandemonium at Celtic Park.
I’m not sure if the final whistle has gone yet but there are hundreds of fans on the pitch.
Chaos!
Celtic 2-1 Hearts
14:29 , George Flood
96 mins: Engels gives away a cheap free-kick midway inside the Hearts half and now Maeda is booked for kicking the ball away.
Celtic are almost there…
Celtic 2-1 Hearts
14:28 , George Flood
95 mins: Time is running out for Hearts and there’s a flashpoint on the touchline that results in bookings for Shankland and Saracchi.
Celtic repel a stream of deliveries into their box and now Maeda celebrates in front of Shankland after winning a crucial challenge.
Celtic 2-1 Hearts
14:26 , George Flood
92 mins: The jubilant Celtic fans revel in Steinwender heading well wide from a corner.
But Hearts are really going for this now…
Celtic 2-1 Hearts
14:24 , George Flood
90 mins: Incredible scenes at Celtic Park after that Maeda goal that may just have won them another title.
Utterly heartbreaking for Hearts, but it’s not over yet.
EIGHT minutes of stoppage time have been signalled.
GOAL! Celtic 2-1 Hearts | Daizen Maeda 88′
14:21 , George Flood
88 mins: THE GOAL IS GIVEN!
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:20
, George Flood
86 mins: Maeda turns in Osmand’s cross and Celtic Park erupts again… but the offside flag is up!
This will be checked…
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:19 , George Flood
85 mins: It’s just not happening for Celtic and now Hearts are bleeding crucial minutes off the clock thanks to great work from the likes of Braga and Shankland up top.
They force a corner that Sinisalo punches and Shankland can’t react to turn an errant strike goalbound.
Here come Celtic again…
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:15 , George Flood
82 mins: Stretched Hearts look in real bother again inside the box as Maeda twists and turns before delivering a ball that is headed off target by Osmand.
The offside flag is up.
The tension is absolutely incredible.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:12 , George Flood
80 mins: Hearts are thwarted on the counter-attack before Celtic quickly come again and Iheanacho’s strike slams into the base of the post!
So, so close to that all-important second goal.
And now Schwolow crucially tips over from Nygren. Wow.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:11 , George Flood
78 mins: Engels steps up as Celtic Park holds its collective breath… but it’s well wide of Schwolow’s right-hand post.
Another big chance gone.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:10
, George Flood
76 mins: Nygren’s low shot inside the box is crucially blocked as Hearts’ defence is breached again, before Devlin fouls Engels right on the edge and gets booked.
A massive opportunity this from the free-kick…
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:09 , George Flood
75 mins: A big chance for Celtic is wasted as Osmand comes charging through supported by Maeda, but Kent does just enough.
Another Celtic corner comes and goes with Hearts unscathed. They are just 15 minutes away…
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:08 , George Flood
73 mins: Two more Celtic changes – the fit-again Callum Osmand is on for only his fourth senior appearance for the club and first since November after hamstring surgery.
Marcelo Saracchi also enters the fray.
Off go Tierney and Trusty.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:05 , George Flood
72 mins: The home fans are getting really frustrated now with less than 20 minutes to play as another bout of Celtic possession leads to nothing.
Hearts, by the way, have now used all of their available substitutions, so will be praying not to get any late injuries here.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:03 , George Flood
69 mins: Chesnokov with an immediate impact as he eases past Tierney before evading Scales and delivering a dangerous low cross into the six-yard box that is hacked away by Trusty.
If Celtic concede again here, the title is surely lost.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:02 , George Flood
67 mins: Claudio Braga, Alan Forrest – younger brother of Celtic substitute James – and Islam Chesnokov are all now coming on for Hearts.
Off go Kabore, Kyziridis and Milne.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:00 , George Flood
66 mins: Kingsley takes no chances with another Celtic delivery into the box, with Maeda getting up well at the back post from the subsequent corner but heading over.
Hearts are readying a triple change here.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:58 , George Flood
64 mins: Maeda glides to the byline but there is no one in the middle as he overhits a poor cross.
Celtic then make inroads down the right, but Kingsley blocks the cross.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:56 , George Flood
62 mins: Celtic pour forward with another promising attack down that right channel, but Nygren and Johnston are not on the same wavelength and the former’s pass rolls out for a goal kick.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:55 , George Flood
61 mins: James Forrest for Yang is the latest Celtic change as Hearts’ corner delivery from the right drifts harmlessly beyond the back post.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:54 , George Flood
60 mins: An hour gone and Hearts are 30 minutes (plus plenty of inevitable stoppage time) away from becoming Scottish champions for the first time in 66 years.
Tierney’s latest corner delivery for Celtic comes to nothing.
Hearts break and now have a corner of their own as Shankland is just about contained.
More substitutions are imminent.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:52 , George Flood
58 mins: More Celtic penalty appeals for handball against Kingsley are waved away before Hearts look to set away Kabore on the break, with Sinisalo rushing out of his penalty area to make a challenge.
Kyziridis is taken down by Trusty, who goes into the book.
A really frantic pace to this game now.
There is already a lot of injury time building.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:50 , George Flood
56 mins: Celtic are piling on the pressure now as Yang cuts in off the right and is dealt with by Findlay, with Kingsley then sliding in to block a follow-up effort from Johnston.
Hearts deal with the resulting corner but are penned back deep inside their own half and struggling to get out.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:48 , George Flood
53 mins: A couple of warning signs for Hearts as Celtic almost unpick the lock inside the crowded box before Iheanacho’s long-range effort is gathered by Schwolow.
Now Nygren brings down Kabore and picks up a yellow card.
It’s a free-kick in a great position for Kyziridis, who sends the ball drifting over the crossbar.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:44 , George Flood
49 mins: Another quick second-half Hearts change now as Baningime pursues Iheanacho and goes down off the ball with an obvious hamstring injury.
He is in some pain and receives treatment, but will be in no position to continue as he limps slowly off across the pitch with the help of Hearts’ medical staff.
Celtic fans – rather unfairly – wanted him to be made to walk around the pitch so the game can continue quickly.
McInnes sends for Blair Spittal, who scored against Falkirk in midweek.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:41 , George Flood
47 mins: The second half is not even two minutes old and Hearts have already now made a first change of their own – likely in response to Iheanacho’s arrival at the interval.
Derek McInnes has sent on an extra defender in the form of Frankie Kent, who replaces winger Altena.
Steinwender looks to have a knock.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:38 , George Flood
Martin O’Neill is making a half-time change in attack for Celtic.
Midweek hero Kelechi Iheanacho is replacing Tounekti.
Back underway for a mammoth second half in Glasgow.
A reminder that Hearts will be champions if this game ends in a draw.
Celtic need to score again…
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:36 , George Flood
Maybe a tad harsh on Kyziridis, but that is a penalty with the way the handball laws stand today.
Should Schwolow have done better with Engels’ spot-kick after diving the right way?
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:33 , George Flood
If there is one player in this Hearts side that you don’t want to leave unmarked to drift in at the back post from a set-piece…
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:30 , George Flood
And breathe!
An extremely tense and cagey first half suddenly burst into life at the end there with two goals in the space of just six minutes.
Hearts will still be champions as things stand with a draw, but that could yet be a massive, massive goal for Celtic.
We could not be better poised for the second half.
(PA)
(PA)
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:23 , George Flood
Half-time
GOAL! Celtic 1-1 Hearts | Arne Engels (pen) 49′
13:20 , George Flood
49 mins: Schwolow guesses the right way but he dives over the ball and can’t get a hand to it.
Celtic Park erupts!
Amazing drama at the end of an otherwise cagey first half.
Celtic badly, badly needed that.
Celtic 0-1 Hearts
13:19 , George Flood
47 mins: It’s a quick check and the penalty award stands!
No Iheanacho on the pitch of course, so it will be Engels who steps up to try and pull Celtic level on the stroke of half-time.
A massive, massive moment in this title decider.
Celtic 0-1 Hearts
13:18 , George Flood
46 mins: Into three minutes of added time at the end of the first half and Celtic are awarded a penalty for handball after Tierney’s cross smacks into the hand of Kyziridis.
This will be checked by VAR…
GOAL! Celtic 0-1 Hearts | Lawrence Shankland 43′
13:15 , George Flood
43 mins: From that second corner, unmarked Hearts captain Shankland strolls in and powers home a close-range header at the back post!
What a huge goal and what a time to score.
Celtic now need to score twice.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
13:13 , George Flood
41 mins: Steinwender atones for his error by earning a pressure-relieving free-kick from Maeda.
Hearts have another throw-in, this time on the far side, and now try an unusual corner routine that doesn’t quite come off.
But it quickly leads to another.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
13:11 , George Flood
38 mins: The in-form Maeda has barely had a kick up front for Celtic so far but gets involved now and is cleaned out by Steinwender, who deservedly joins fellow right-back Johnston in the book.
Nothing comes of the resulting set-piece.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
13:08 , George Flood
36 mins: Superb defending from Kyziridis to race back and snuff out a dangerous-looking Celtic attack.
Hearts get a foot on the ball and put together some nice passes in a fluid move, but Altena’s dreadful effort flies wide and is met with ironic cheers from the Celtic faithful.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
13:06 , George Flood
34 mins: Nygren can’t find a way through the wall of maroon shirts on the edge of the Hearts box and he’s dispossessed.
Altena comes away with possession and slides the ball through the legs of Johnston, who takes him down and collects the first yellow card of the match for his troubles.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
13:05 , George Flood
32 mins: Better from Celtic and Tounekti cuts in off the left flank to register the first shot on target of the afternoon.
But it’s tame and easily held by Schwolow in the Hearts goal.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
13:04 , George Flood
30 mins: Half an hour gone and this is as cagey as it gets, with brighter moments for Celtic in attack but nothing coming of them.
Hearts continue to target Trusty. Neither side has had a shot on target so far.
Goalless after half an hour – if it stays this way, Hearts will be champions.
A long, long way to go still, of course.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:58 , George Flood
25 mins: Celtic are almost in for the first time this afternoon but the final pass overruns and Hearts breathe a huge sigh of relief.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:56 , George Flood
20 mins: Really tense stuff at the moment, with slight openings for both sides but neither can quite make inroads as Shankland heads well wide from another Milne long throw-in from this nearside.
Celtic’s fast start has long since dissipated and they are struggling to create anything at the moment.
Trusty still looks uncomfortable at the back.
(PA)
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:49 , George Flood
15 mins: More complaints from the Celtic fans as Steinwender slowly makes his way off after taking an accidental knee from Johnston during that important challenge.
The Austrian defender has been a key player for Hearts during these early stages and looks like he’ll be fine to return, much to the relief of Derek McInnes.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:46 , George Flood
13 mins: More groans from the amped-up Celtic fans as Trusty continues to look a bit iffy early on.
Steinwender gets across to make a crucial brave challenge on Johnston as the hosts come forward again, but comes off worse and play is halted – much to the home supporters’ dismay.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:43 , George Flood
11 mins: Celtic don’t look especially comfortable defending this Hearts left channel early on.
Hearts are targeting it plenty already as Trusty has to deal with some awkward balls and Milne sends in another long throw, but again Johnston is there to meet it with his head.
Now a cheap foul by Nygren gives Hearts the chance to deliver a free-kick from a decent position wide on the left.
Findlay is the target for Kyziridis, but Engels heads behind at the back post and Sinisalo gathers the resulting corner easily.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:40 , George Flood
9 mins: Trusty concedes another throw-in on the nearside and Milne winds up another long hurl, though Findlay is beaten in the air.
Now Milne blasts high and wide after a cute nutmeg on Johnston.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:39 , George Flood
7 mins: Steinwender is well-positioned to steer away another searching early Celtic cross into the Hearts box.
Engels’ deep corner delivery is overhit and sails wide of Schwolow’s back post.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:36 , George Flood
5 mins: Kabore wins a huge challenge in midfield to give Hearts some momentum and get them on the ball after an early Celtic barrage.
Loud boos from the home fans greet their every touch.
The leaders need to build some possession here and take the sting out of this positive Celtic start and fierce crowd.
A long Hearts throw into the box is flicked on and almost reaches captain Shankland, who goes down under a challenge from Scales.
Never a penalty, despite his appeals.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:34 , George Flood
3 mins: Celtic, as you might expect, have started all guns blazing with a couple of dangerous early crosses whipped into the penalty area.
Trusty heads high and wide from a corner to the near post.
Hearts need to ride out this early onslaught.
Celtic vs Hearts
12:31 , George Flood
HERE WE GO!
The sun is shining at Celtic Park as we get underway in this massive final-day Scottish Premiership title decider.
Kabore is already down for Hearts after an aerial tussle with Scales.
Ready for kick-off
12:30 , George Flood
It’s always special of course, but that was a particularly spine-tingling rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone from the home fans ahead of kick-off.
An anthem befitting of such a huge event.
What an atmosphere.
The 752 travelling Hearts fans are trying to make themselves heard in a sold-out crowd of 60,000.
Teams are out at Celtic Park
12:28 , George Flood
There are fans from both clubs already in tears ahead of kick-off in Glasgow, such is the size of today’s unique occasion and the sheer emotion attached to it.
Here come the players to a raucous reception at Celtic Park, where both teams are in their traditional home kits – so it’s green and white hoops against maroon.
Don Robertson has the unenviable task of being today’s referee, with Kevin Clancy on VAR duty.
McInnes explains shock Braga benching
12:21 , George Flood
Derek McInnes has explained his surprise decision to name Claudio Braga on the Hearts bench this afternoon.
He insists during a pre-match interview with Sky Sports at Celtic Park that the Portuguese forward is not fully fit having been carrying a groin injury in recent weeks.
The other two changes made today are purely tactical.
(PA)
O’Neill: Everybody outside Celtic wants Hearts to win title
12:15 , George Flood
Both managers have been engaging in a spot of mind games this week, with a raging Derek McInnes insisting that it feels like “us against everybody” after that last-gasp Celtic penalty award against Motherwell that he described as “disgusting”.
Meanwhile, Celtic counterpart Martin O’Neill insisted at his pre-match press conference yesterday that everyone outside their fanbase wants Hearts to win the title.
“It’s obviously been magnified because of the occasion as much as anything else,” O’Neill said of the furore over that crucial, much-maligned late decision at Fir Park.
“Am I surprised? No, I’m not surprised, because everybody wants Hearts to win. It’s really as simple as that.
“Everybody outside Celtic and the Celtic diaspora wants Hearts to win.
“And so if it wasn’t Hearts, it would be Rangers, it would be somebody else. That’s the nature of it.”
(PA)
Hearts boss McInnes expecting ‘bedlam’ at Celtic Park
12:00 , George Flood
Hearts boss Derek McInnes is expecting “bedlam” at Celtic Park this afternoon, though insists his side have been preparing for the possibility of a final-day title decider ever since the post-split fixtures were confirmed.
“We need to go there and perform well, first and foremost,” he said at yesterday’s pre-match press conference.
“I think any time you go to Celtic Park with your team; you’ve got to do so many things right. There’s a consistency, a messaging of what you need to try and do there.
“And obviously tomorrow, with everything that entails, that just gets amplified, really, because it’s a perfect ending to a season for the league, Scottish football, for drama and excitement. It’s pure box office.
“It’s been a long time, I think, since both teams who could win the title go head-to-head. To be honest, I felt it for a while, obviously, when the fixtures came out.
“There’s still a lot of football to be played, so you can’t really say that at the time, for obvious reasons, but I genuinely thought it would go the full way, and we’ve kind of been preparing for that.
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“In that sense, we knew we’d have to get good wins, and obviously Celtic, in the last wee while, they’ve shown those improvements as well, and consistency of results. Fair play to them, fair play to our boys for making this the situation that’s there now.
“It’s important now that we have that one big performance in us, to try and get over the line and get the title won. The good thing for me is the confidence I feel in the players is so strong. We have to go there with courage; we have to go there with belief and be bullish with our work.
“It’ll be bedlam, it’ll be an unbelievable atmosphere, just because of what’s at stake. But I think that there might be people out there, who think everything’s back on script now, Celtic win their home game, win their league, and that’s what Celtic have done for the last wee while.
“They’ve been the team that have won more titles, but we’ve ripped the script up so often this season, and we’ve got one more in us I think, and it’s up to us to try and make that happen.”
Three Hearts changes with Braga only on bench
11:43 , George Flood
Derek McInnes makes three changes to the Hearts team that blew away Falkirk at Tynecastle in midweek.
Stephen Kingsley, Pierre Landry Kabore and Jordi Altena replace Frankie Kent, Blair Spittal and Claudio Braga.
Surely Braga can’t be fully fit?!
Otherwise it’s quite a call from McInnes to drop the Scottish Premiership and PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year for such a high-stakes fixture.
(PA)
Celtic unchanged as Osmand returns to bench
11:37 , George Flood
Celtic are unchanged from that controversial 3-2 last-gasp win away at Motherwell on Wednesday night.
The only alteration to their matchday squad is on the bench, where young forward Callum Osmand returns after six months out following hamstring surgery.
Reo Hatate drops out altogether.
(Getty)
Hearts team
11:21 , George Flood
Hearts XI: Schwolow, Steinwender, Kingsley, Findlay, Milne, Kyziridis, Baningime, Devlin, Altena, Kabore, Shankland
Subs: Fulton, Kent, McCart, Braga, Borchgrevink, Spittal, Forrest, Kerjota, Chesnokov
Celtic team
11:17 , George Flood
Celtic XI: Sinisalo, Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Engels, Nygren, Yang, Tounekti, Maeda
Subs: Doohan, McCowan, Iheanacho, Osmand, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Saracchi, Murray, Forrest, Ralston
Atmosphere building
11:04 , George Flood
There already looks to be quite the pre-match atmosphere outside Celtic Park, with the home fans greeting the team buses and making their voices heard ahead of what they hope will be the most memorable final day.
Hearts have an allocation of only 752 tickets for this afternoon’s game, so most of their supporters will have to make do with watching on from home or in the pubs of Edinburgh.
Celtic 3-1 Hearts: Osmand winner stops Hearts ending 41-year Old Firm dominance
https://onefootball.com/en/news/celtic-3-1-hearts-osmand-winner-stops-hearts-ending-41-year-old-firm-dominance-42875591
Article image:Celtic 3-1 Hearts: Osmand winner stops Hearts ending 41-year Old Firm dominance
Celtic came from behind and scored two late goals to clinch the Scottish Premier League on the final day of the season against title challengers Hearts.
It was Hearts who got off to the better start when Lawrence Shankland put his side ahead late in the first half with a thundering header at the far post, and some questionable defending from the home side.
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Celtic levelled with another penalty awarded for handball after all the drama midweek against Motherwell. This penalty is less controversial and was slotted away by Arne Engels.
Celtic headed into the second half knowing they needed a goal to clinch the title away from their opposition. Hearts defended valiantly until Celtic got their breakthrough in the 87th minute courtesy of Daizen Maeda.
As Hearts pushed to equalise, they left themselves exposed. Callum Osmand charged on the break towards an empty Hearts goal, sealing the title for Celtic and sending Celtic Park into pandemonium.
As it happened
The Celtic players entered the pitch first to an eruption of noise inside Celtic Park, before You’ll Never Walk Alone rung around the ground. In the meantime, the Hearts fans did their best to cheer their players up for one final time this season.
The league leaders got the game underway, but it was Celtic who had the first moment of the match. An early ball was put across the face of the Hearts goal before being cleared away by a sliding Stuart Findlay.
Celtic had the first corner of the game after Shankland found himself doing defensive duties. Auston Trusty saw his header from the resulting corner sail over the crossbar.
As expected, the home side looked the more dominant and attacking side in the opening few minutes, Celtic requiring all three points on the day to clinch the title, but their final ball was lacking.
Hearts had a series of long throw-ins in the opening 10 minutes, and much of their play in general was long balls aimed at the physicality of Pierre Landry Kaboré.
In the eleventh minute, the Jambos’ fullback, Harry Milne, delivered a wicked ball to the back post, which forced the home side to put the ball behind for a corner kick. The resulting corner was put right on top of Viljami Sinisalo in the Celtic goal, who claimed it with ease.
There was a break in play after 15 minutes when Michael Steinwender came across to deal with a Celtic ball over the top and received a knee to the thigh for his troubles. The Austrian continued but appeared uncomfortable.
A few minutes later, he made a sliding challenge on Daizen Maeda. It was a brilliant piece of defending, but he continued to move gingerly and struggled to get up.
A good piece of link-up play from the two hearts forwards, Shankland and Kaboré, gave the former a sight of goal, but he failed to get his shot off.
In the same run of play, Milne was able to produce another long throw-in with Shankland getting on the end of this one, but he could not direct his header goalward.
Steinwender found himself at the centre of the action once more when Sebastian Tounekti looked to get into the Hearts box, but the Jambo man stepped in at the right time to clear any danger again.
The hosts recycled play before being penalised for a heavy challenge on Jordi Altena on the edge of the 18-yard box.
As the half-hour mark approached, Trusty played a long cross-field ball that was headed away by Alexandros Kyzirdis, allowing Benjamin Nygren to run onto it.
Once more, the final ball was lacking as he looked to slip the ball in behind to Maeda. The forward had made a brilliant run in between the Hearts defenders, but Nygren failed to find him.
The first shot on target came from the side, needing all three points. Cameron Devlin was dispossessed in the middle of the park, and the loose ball was picked up by Engels.
He played it wide to Tounekti, who appeared to have the option of Kieran Tierney on the overlap, but decided to go alone. He cut inside before taking aim, but could only force a routine save out of Alexander Schwolow.
Alistair Johnston picked up the first booking of the day after he lunged late into Altena. The Hearts wide man produced a lovely piece of skill, pushing it through Johnston’s legs as he dived in.
Hearts then played the ball around the Celtic box with Altena at the centre of this. However, he took a long-range effort which flew high and wide.
The visitors had a further chance when Kaboré was running at pace towards Sinsalo’s goal. His toe-poked effort was blocked well by Liam Scales. It seemed an important block as the shot looked to be heading goal-bound.
Steinwender found himself at the centre of the action again. This time, receiving a caution for a foul on Maeda. Hearts found themselves with a corner in the final five minutes of the half. The away side attempted a corner from the training ground, which was recycled, giving them another corner.
This corner was much simpler and was crossed with pace to the back post. Sinisalo came to collect it but misjudged it, leaving an unmarked Shankland free at the back post, and he made no mistake.
Shankland came crashing in at the back post to put the league leaders in front. His 8th goal in 13 games against Celtic. As it stands, Celtic would need a minimum of two goals without a response to win the league. Hearts looked set to win their first league title since 1960.
Celtic were at the centre of further penalty drama after their late penalty midweek. In the second minute of added time, Kiernan Tierney attempted to put a cross into the Hearts area.
Kyziridis slid in to block the cross when the ball struck his trailing arm, which was raised away from his body. Don Robertson awarded the penalty, and his on-field decision was confirmed after a short VAR check.
Derek McInnes, Hearts manager, appeared furious with the decision after his labelling of the midweek incident involving Celtic as ‘disgusting’.
Engles was the man to step up, having scored nine out of nine penalties for Celtic in the league. He placed the ball to the keeper’s left and levelled the game.
Schwolow did dive the right way, but appeared to go early and therefore dived over the ball. He was left disappointed, but Celtic Park had erupted. Martin O’Neil’s side has failed to threaten in the first half, but will be happy going into the break all square.
As for Hearts, they will be winning their first league title in over 65 years. The Jambos have played their role brilliantly in the first half. Their defence looks strong with Steinwender at the centre of this, and their forwards holding play up well when it is cleared long to them.
Celtic made one substitution at halftime. Midweek game winner, Kelechi Iheanacho, replacing Sebastian Tounekti as Celtic looked to get a winner in the second period. Iheanacho is the man to do this, having scored five in his last seven appearances from the bench.
Hearts made an early substitution as Altena was replaced by centre back Frankie Kent.
Derek McInnes suffered a further injury blow to a key player when Beni Baningime went down unchallenged, clutching his hamstring. His game was over, and on came Blair Spittal, who has scored two in his last four appearances.
Since his arrival in the game, Iheanacho has been central to everything Celtic have done. He was finding pockets of space really effectively and threading passes through to his runners.
Hearts found themselves with a free kick in a dangerous area when Nygren brought down Kaboré. Nygren was booked for the foul.
The resulting free kick was taken by Kyziridis, who attempted an effort on goal and put the ball well wide. The area of the free kick had looked more suited to a cross into the box.
Celtic looked to get the ball forward again when Yang Hyun-Jun made a run into the box before his effort was blocked. The block fell to Johnston, who saw his effort blocked as well.
In what was becoming a fairly end-to-end game, Hearts forward Kaboré found himself racing away, but Sinisalo read it well and won the race against the Jambo man to clear the danger
Martin O’Neill made a further change in search of a winning goal, replacing Yang with James Forrest.
The substitute found himself at the centre of the action immediately when he played a ball to Nygren. However, Johnston and Nygren were not on the same wavelength, and the final ball amounted to little. Much to the dismay of the Celtic fans, as boos rang out across a frustrated Celtic Park.
It was now captain Callum McGregor’s turn to drive at the Hearts defence, carrying the ball superbly. He then played it, Maeda out wide, but he could only overhit his cross.
Maeda had a further chance when the home side’s corner found him at the far post. His header is just rising over the bar.
Derek McInnes used his final three substitutions just after the hour mark: Kaboré, Kyziridis, and Milne all came off for Braga, Forrest, and Chesnokov.
The latest of the substitutes is making a brilliant run with his first touches. Taking it past 3 players down the right-hand side before cutting back across a recovering Tierney and playing the ball across the face of the goal before being cleared away.
Not all of Hearts’ substitutions were up to speed as Braga let a pass go straight under his foot and out for a Celtic throw.
Martin O’Neil returned to his bench, making two further substitutions. Callum Osmand and Marcelo Sarachi, the men introduced for Auston Trusty and Kieran Tierney.
As was becoming the theme in this match, Osmand had a fantastic opportunity immediately after coming on. Iheanacho played a ball through to him, but a fantastic piece of defending from Kent settled the nerves in the Hearts away end.
Osmand perhaps should have slipped in Maeda, who appeared to have space opening up on the left-hand side.
Shortly after, the Hoops found themselves with a free kick inside the D. Prior Celtic had a good chance when Maeda slipped the ball back to Nygren. Nygren got the ball stuck under his feet and rushed the shot, which was then blocked by a Hearts defender.
It was penalty scorer Engels who took the free kick, but could only put it wide of the right-hand post. Celtic’s pressure was constant as they searched for the goal that would hand them the title.
Iheanacho was the next to have an effort at goal. He opened his body up perfectly before taking aim, and the resulting shot cannoned off the post.
In the 80th minute, Schwolow was called into action and produced a good save tipping Nygren’s shot over the bar after some good build-up play from the home side.
Maeda was next to have his sights on the goal. His curled effort towards the far post was redirected by the head of Osmand, who was in an offside position.
Braga then put an end to the flurry of Celtic chances when he beat the Celtic goalkeeper to a header, but he was covered well. After the ball was recycled, Shankland won a corner for the league leaders. Nothing came of it, though.
Late in the second half, Celtic played the ball brilliantly, with Saracchi carrying it well from the left-back position. Osmand then received it wide and pulled it back to Maeda, who finished well, but the offside flag was raised.
After a VAR review, Celtic were awarded the goal that may well have won them the league title and crushed the hopes of all Hearts’ fans. Celtic Park was sent into bedlam, and green smoke filled the stadium. Hearts had eight additional minutes to find an equaliser.
Tensions threatened to boil over after a strong challenge from Shankland on Saracchi. After the pair finished their pushing and shoving, both were booked.
Shankland then launched a long throw into the box, but Celtic cleared once again. Hearts had a further opportunity to launch the ball long from a free kick on the halfway line. The hoops did well to clear, but the visitors recycled and came again. Celtic are throwing bodies at every ball to clear, though.
A further free kick was awarded to Hearts deep into the Celtic half. Desperation was setting in for Hearts as their keeper, Schwolow, moved forward to attack it.
Celtic cleared and found themselves staring down an empty goal. Osmand, leading the break, tapped into an empty goal, arms aloft in celebration.
Celtic scoring in the 98th minute to confirm another league title for the Hoops, and absolute heartbreak for Hearts. The league title would not be leaving Glasgow for the 41st year in a row.
The Celtic fans invaded the pitch in great confusion about whether the final whistle had actually been blown. Hearts players and staff were taken out of the way of wild celebrations.
Don Robertson eventually called time on the game after much confusion, and the Celtic party was underway.
Hearts will be left devastated to lose the title so late after being top of the league for 250 days, and the older generation may compare this day to the 1986 title, which they lost with eight minutes to play. Celtic champions that year as well.
It’s been a crazy season in the Scottish Premier League, ending in spectacular fashion. Celtic 3-1 winners on the day and their 12th title in 13 years.
Celtic defeat Hearts 3-1 to claim 14th Scottish Premiership title in 15 years
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Celtic’s Auston Trusty lifts the William Hill Premiership trophy
Jamie Borthwick
May 16th, 2026 at 14:44
Hearts title dream was ended after two late strikes
Celtic claimed their 14th Scottish Premiership title in 15 years as they left it late to come from behind to defeat Hearts 3-1.
Lawrence Shankland had given the Edinburgh side the lead before a penalty in first half stoppage time from Arne Engels levelled the match.
Hearts who had sat atop the table since September, needed only a point to claim a first title since 1960, held on until the 88th minute before Daizen Maeda put Celtic ahead, and a final breakaway goal from Callum Osmond ended the match.
Celtic boss Martin O’Neill, taking charge of likely his final game, named an unchanged team from the one that defeated Motherwell 3-2 in dramatic circumstances in midweek.
Derek McInnes started with Scotland’s player of the year Claudio Braga, defender Frankie Kent and midfielder Blair Spittal on the bench. Jordi Altena, Landry Kabore and Stephen Kingsley took places in the Hearts starting eleven.
It was a cagey start from both sides in the cauldron of noise at Celtic Park with only half chances created at either end.
Indeed the first shot on target didn’t arrive until the 33rd minute as Sebastian Tounekti sent a tame effort into Alexander Schwolow’s arms.
Hearts weathered a spell of Celtic possession before striking the opening blow.
Stephen Kingsley’s inswinging corner in the 43rd minutes was head by the head of captain Lawrence Shankland at the back post and he thumped the ball into the net to silence 60,000 home fans.
The would not be quiet for long. In first half injury time Kieran Tierney played a cross from the left that struck the arm of Alexandros Kyziridis. Referee Don Robertson had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Arne Engels stepped up and despite Schwolow guessing the right way the penalty kick squeezed below the German keeper’s hand to make the title decider all-square at half time.
O’Neill introduced his Wednesday match winner Kelechi Iheanacho at half time, the striker replacing Tounekti for the 45 minutes which would define the Scottish Premiership season.
Hearts introduced Kent in defence in response to the Celtic change, and soon after in the 49th minute they wer forced into a further change as Beni Bamingime went down with a hamstring injury. Blair Spittal was sent on in midfield.
As the game entered a familiar pattern of Celtic possession but few chances, James Forrest was introduced in place of Yang in the 62nd minute.
McInnes again responded, this time with a triple change. Braga, Islam Chesnokov and Alan Forrestenetered the fray with Kabore, Harry Milne and Kyziridis making way.
Kazakhstan international Chesnokov immediately threatened with a run down the right wing before his cross was cut out at the front post.
The hosts then cranked up the pressure the game approached the final quarter. Engels went close with a free kick before Iheanacho struck the post with a left footed shot from the edge of the box.
Hearts were defending like lions, throwing bodies in front of everything came into their box as the game ticked into the final ten minutes.
It took one moment with three minutes of the 90 remaining to turn the destination of the title.
Sub Osmond was sent clear down the left channel into Hearts box and squared for Daizen Maeda to bundle the ball past Schwolow.
The linesman’s flag went up for offside but VAR confirmed no offside and the goal is as awarded to the ecstacy of the home fans.
Hearts threw everything they could to get the goal that would have won them the title back but the ball would not fall to a maroon shirt and Celtic repelled every effort.
Schwolow went up for a free with less than 60 seconds to go in normal time. The ball broke to Celtic who raced forward and Osmand rolled the ball into the empty net.
Fans rushed on to the pitch forcing the referee to take the players off the field before full time could be blown.
Hearts players in tears at Tynecastle return after brutal Celtic loss
Story by Jack Rathborn
• 13h • 2 min read
Hearts players were left in tears upon return to Tynecastle after their devastating defeat to Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title decider.
After going down 3-1 late on at Celtic Park, to concede the title to Martin O’Neill’s side on the final day, some Hearts players were abused by Celtic supporters during a pitch invasion following Callum Osmand’s third goal.
Notably, striker Lawrence Shankland could be seen in a dispute with a Celtic fan, with Derek McInnes’ side falling agonisingly short of a first title since 1960.
Hearts were welcomed back home by their supporters, but several players were visibly upset at the events earlier in the day.
Alexandros Kyziridis, Frankie Kent, Stuart Findlay and Jamie McCart all struggled to contain their emotions upon return to Tynecastle Park, with hundreds of fans greeting them.
McInnes was seen consoling his players with fans unveiling banners of gratitude after a historic season for the Jambos, despite finishing as runner-up.
Meanwhile, the behaviour of some Celtic fans towards Hearts players has been described as “unacceptable” by James McFadden.
“I understand spilling over, onto the pitch, with emotion, you back off, but this is unacceptable to me, going up to players. I get emotions running high, players should be safe on the football pitch. You do not want to see that,” said the former Motherwell forward.
“There will always be people who spoil it for everyone. You heard the majority of the fans booing the fans that came onto the pitch. They understand. That is unacceptable to me. Players should be safe on a football pitch. They should not be surrounded by stewards, Shankland is surrounded by his teammates to make sure nothing happened to him, that is unacceptable.”
“There will always be people who spoil it for everyone. You heard the majority of the fans booing the fans that came onto the pitch. They understand. That is unacceptable to me. Players should be safe on a football pitch. They should not be surrounded by stewards, Shankland is surrounded by his teammates to make sure nothing happened to him, that is unacceptable.”
And former Celtic striker Chris Sutton also agreed: “I totally agree, there’s no place for that, you can imagine how the Hearts players felt, such a long season and losing it at the end.
“The Celtic fans that have got involved with the Hearts players are lucky they didn’t get a thump or two.”
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Live coverage of the Scottish Premiership title decider between Celtic and Hearts
The 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season is set for a grandstand finale as Celtic and Hearts go head-to-head for the title this afternoon.
The stakes could not be higher. After 37 league matches, Hearts are top of the table by one point and must avoid defeat to become champions for the first time in 66 years, while Celtic require a victory to clinch a fifth successive crown and a 14th in the last 15 years.
The eyes of the footballing world will be on Celtic Park for the 12.30pm kick-off. You can follow all the build-up, action and reaction as it happens in our live blog below:
Celtic v Hearts LIVE: Scottish Premiership title decider – follow the action as it happens
Key Events
Lawrence Shankland opens scoring for Hearts
Arne Engels equalises for Celtic from penalty spot
Celtic hit post with 10 minutes to go
Daizen Maeda puts Celtic ahead on 88 minutes
Celtic are champions as Osmand scores 98th minute clincher
Celtic fans invade pitch amid reports of Hearts players assualted
Sat, 16 May, 2026, 09:21 BST
Good morning
Hello and welcome to The Scotsman’s live coverage of today’s Scottish Premiership title decider between Celtic and Hearts.
Will it be another league trophy in the bag for Scotland’s most dominant club of the past two decades or will we have a non-Old Firm champion for the first time since 1985?
Stick with us to follow the action as it happens on what promises to be a tense and emotional afternoon at Celtic Park.
Sat, 16 May, 2026, 09:39 BST
Celtic v Hearts team news
Celtic have no fresh injuries ahead of the title showdown. Martin O’Neill is still without Jota (knee), Colby Donovan (hamstring), Julian Araujo (thigh), Kasper Schmeichel (shoulder), Tomas Cvancara (groin) and Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles). Callum Osmand continues his quest for fitness following hamstring surgery.
Hearts are set to have an unchanged squad, with Marc Leonard, Craig Halkett (both Achilles), Oisin McEntee, Calem Nieuwenhof (both hamstring), Tomas Magnusson and Ageu (both thigh) all still out.
The starting line-ups are expected to be announced around 11.30am.
09:59 BSTUpdated 10:00 BST
Ref watch
Don Robertson is the match referee for the title decider between Celtic and Hearts. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)
Don Robertson is the match referee for the title decider between Celtic and Hearts. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) | SNS Group
Spare a thought for referee Don Robertson who will be under as much pressure as both sets of players and managers this afternoon.
After events in midweek, where a controversial last-gasp penalty award for Celtic in their 3-2 win at Motherwell made headlines across the world and saw referee John Beaton put under police protection after having his personal details leaked online, there will be intense scrutiny on Robertson and his team of officials this afternoon.
Let’s hope for his sake – and Scottish football as a whole – that all the title talk afterwards is about the football and not another contentious VAR decision.
Kevin Clancy is the man in the VAR room.
10:41 BST
Today’s other matches
While Celtic v Hearts is the big one, there are two other top six matches taking place today.
There is plenty at stake at Easter Road where Hibs entertain Motherwell in the battle for fourth place.
‘Well must avoid defeat to clinch fourth and secure the last remaining guaranteed European berth. Hibs must win or rely on Celtic beating Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final to enter Europe via the back door.
Rangers finish their campaign with a trip to Falkirk looking to avoid a fifth straight league defeat since the split. They haven’t lost five-in-a-row in the league since 1983.
11:13 BSTUpdated 11:15 BST
Hearts team bus arrives
Celtic fans surround the Hearts team bus as it arrives at Parkhead for the title decider. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)
Celtic fans surround the Hearts team bus as it arrives at Parkhead for the title decider. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group) | SNS Group
The Hearts team bus has been given an intimidating reception upon its arrival at Parkhead with hundreds of Celtic fans gathering outside the stadium in preparation for the title decider.
11:24 BSTUpdated 11:55 BST
Celtic v Hearts starting XIs
The team news is in.
Surprise for Celtic is no Reo Hatate in the squad but a big shock for Hearts as Player of the Year Claudio Braga drops to the bench in one of three changes from the win over Falkirk in midweek.
Here are your starting XIs for the title decider at Parkhead…
Celtic: Sinisalo; Johnston, Tierney, Trusty, Scales; McGregor, Engels, Nygren; Yang, Maeda, Tounekti. Subs: Doohan, McCowan, Iheanacho, Osmand, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Saracchi, Murray, Forrest, Ralston.
Hearts: Schwolow; Altena, Steinwender, Findlay, Kingsley; Devlin, Baningime, Milne, Kyziridis; Kabore, Shankland. Subs: Fulton, Kent, McCart, Braga, Borchgrevink, Spittal, Forrest, Kerjota, Chesnokov.
Claudio Braga is a shock omission from the Hearts starting line-up.
Claudio Braga is a shock omission from the Hearts starting line-up. | SNS Group
11:43 BST
Scenes outside stadium
Our chief football writer Alan Pattullo has been filming outside Celtic Park where hundreds of fans have gathered to welcome the team bus as it arrives. The atmosphere is already electric! Now less than an hour until kick-off…
11:50 BST
Shiny silverware
The William Hill Premiership trophy at Celtic Park ahead of the title decider between Celtic and Hearts. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)
The William Hill Premiership trophy at Celtic Park ahead of the title decider between Celtic and Hearts. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) | SNS Group
What a sight. The Scottish Premiership trophy is pictured ahead of kick-off at a sunny Celtic Park with a mix of green and maroon ribbons. Will it be Celtic captain Callum McGregor or Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland lifting it above their heads after full-time?
12:14 BST
Managers subplot
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes and Celtic manager Martin O’Neill are hoping to lead their team to the title. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes and Celtic manager Martin O’Neill are hoping to lead their team to the title. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group) | SNS Group
There is an interesting subplot in the dugouts today with Martin O’Neill – possibly – taking charge of his final match at Celtic Park while Derek McInnes bids to emulate the Scottish football giants of Alex Ferguson and Jim McLean by preventing an Old Firm title win for the first time in 41 years.
Could O’Neill remain at Celtic if he leads the team to a league and Scottish Cup double? And will Hearts be able to keep their manager if he oversees one of the most remarkable title triumphs in modern history?
12:15 BSTUpdated 12:17 BST
Why Braga has been benched
Hearts manager Derek McInnes has explained the shock decision to name Player of the Year Claudio Braga on the bench:
“He’s struggling a wee bit with a groin injury. We’ve been trying to manage it for a couple of weeks. These three games in a week, it’s not ideal. He felt it a wee bit more after the game against Falkirk, and we think he’ll be able to give us a something. We don’t think he’ll be able to give us 90 minutes.”
Derek McInnes on Claudio Braga
12:30 BST
Here we go…
The teams are out to a deafening noise inside Celtic Park with both sets of players wearing home colours. Celtic have 60,000 fans behind them. Hearts have less than 800. It has been a season like no other in Scottish football. It will all be decided over the next 90 minutes.
12:37 BST
5 – Frantic start
As expected, it has been a frantic start at Celtic Park. The hosts were first to threaten, with Auston Trusty getting his head to an Arne Engels corner but failing to find the target. At the other end, Lawrence Shankland appealed for a penalty as Liam Scales challenged him in the six yard box but there was nothing doing. Hearts will be appealing for everything today though after recent events with VAR!
12:45 BSTUpdated 12:46 BST
10 – Hearts tactic
A feature of the opening 10 minutes have been Hearts’ long throws into the Celtic box. No joy for the visitors yet, but it’s a tactic they will look to deploy to put the home defence under pressure.
Elsewhere, there have been three goals inside a crazy opening seven minutes in Falkirk where Rangers raced into a two-goal lead through a Yousseff Chermiti double before a Jack Butland own goal reduced the deficit.
12:48 BST
15 – Hearts injury concern
Hearts are already short in defence due to an injury to Craig Halkett so the sight of Michael Steinwender requiring lengthy treatment following a collision with Alistair Johnston will be of concern to Derek McInnes. He has returned to the pitch, but is not looking comfortable.
12:54 BST
20 – Home tension
Hearts have settled well into this match with Celtic yet to find their flow, leading to some tension among the home support. Landry Kabore tries his luck from 20 yards, but is never troubling the Celtic goal.
12:58 BST
25 – Another Hearts player down
Another Hearts player goes down as a result of a robust challenge from Johnston. It’s Jordi Altena this time who takes an arm to the face, leading Hearts captain Shankland to have a word with referee Don Robertson. Altena is OK to continue after treatment.
13:01 BST
30 – Defences on top
We have reached the half hour mark at Celtic Park without a goal, and without even a shot on target. Cautious stuff from both sides with both defences on top which is understandable given what is at stake. That will certainly suit Hearts who will clinch the title if it remains goalless.
13:06 BST
35 – First shot on target
Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow makes the first save of the match as Celtic winger Sebastian Tounekti lets fly from 20 yards but the effort is straight at the German, who gathers low. The first real sign of encouragement for Celtic, who have been tentative and lacklustre thus far.
13:10 BSTUpdated 13:12 BST
40 – First bookings, Hearts chance
A first yellow card of the match goes to Celtic’s Johnston. He could have been booked earlier for catching Altena in the arm with his face, but he goes in Robertson’s book for a late lunge on the same Hearts player.
At the other end, Kabore finds himself in a one-on-one with Liam Scales but the Celtic defender comes out on top, blocking his shot before the ball breaks back off the Hearts attacker for a goal kick.
Hearts then pick up their first booking as the impressive Steinwender – who has shaken off his early injury – wipes out Daizen Maeda.
Half-time approaches…
13:15 BSTUpdated 13:33 BST
43 – GOAL Celtic 0 Hearts 1 (Shankland)
Hearts score the opening goal to silence Celtic Park and take a huge step towards the title! Stephen Kingsley whips a corner kick to the back post where Shankland heads home with Viljami Sinisalo caught under the ball. Still a long way to go, but a seismic moment.
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland scores the opening goal at Celtic Park.
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland scores the opening goal at Celtic Park. | PA
13:20 BSTUpdated 13:32 BST
45+3 GOAL Celtic 1 (Engels pen) Hearts 1
A huge moment for Celtic with an equaliser before half-time! And wouldn’t you believe it – it comes via a penalty for handball in first-half stoppage time. There can be no debate about this one though as Kieran Tierney’s cross is blocked by the outstretched arm of Alexandros Kyziridis in the box. A pressure penalty for Arne Engels and he makes no mistake to bring Celtic level.
Celtic’s Arne Engels equalises from the penalty spot.
Celtic’s Arne Engels equalises from the penalty spot. | PA
13:28 BST
HT Celtic 1 Hearts 1
An incredible end to the first half at Celtic Park – and what a second 45 we have ahead of us. There had been so little goalmouth action before the game burst into life with two goals in five minutes. The pendulum swung to Hearts with Shankland’s opener but the penalty equaliser handed the momentum back to Celtic going into the break. However, as things stand, the Jambos will be champions.
13:39 BST
Restart – and Celtic change
The second half is underway and Celtic have made a change at the break with midweek hero Kelechi Iheanacho replacing Sebastian Tounekti. As a result, Daizen Maeda moves to the left wing. Hearts are unchanged. 45 minutes to decide the title coming up…
13:41 BST
47 – Hearts sub
No changes at half-time for Hearts but Derek McInnes has reacted to the Celtic change by making one of his own just two minutes after the restart. Altena, who played left midfield in the first half, has been replaced by centre-back Frankie Kent.
13:43 BST
50 – Hearts injury blow
A major blow for Hearts as midfielder Beni Baningime goes down off the ball clutching his hamstring, with Celtic’s Iheanacho sportingly knocking the ball out of play. He looks devastated and can’t continue. Blair Spittal, who has scored two goals in his last four games, comes off the bench.
13:51 BST
55 – Celtic booking
A second Celtic name in the referee’s book as Benjamin Nygren brings down Kabore just outside the box. The Hearts big men are up from the back but Kyziridis goes for goal and blazes the free-kick over the bar.
13:53 BST
60 – Hearts threaten
Celtic have started the second half on top but Hearts break forward as Kyziridis puts Kabore through on goal. Sinisalo races out of his box to half clear, and Engels has to react quickly to stop Shankland from having an open goal.
13:55 BST
62 – Celtic change
Celtic’s most decorated player is on the pitch as James Forrest replaces Hyun-Jun Yang. Who would bet against the veteran winger having a big say in the destination of the title? Hearts will have to be wary of his threat.
14:01 BST
68 – Hearts triple sub
Kabore has been a threat for Hearts, but he now appears to be struggling with a knock and player of the year Claudio Braga – who missed out on the starting line-up due to a groin problem – comes on. It’s part of a triple change for the visitors with Alan Forrest and Islam Chesnokov replacing Kyziridis and Milne respectively.
It means the Forrest brothers are both on the pitch together but only one of them will be departing with a league winners’ medal.
14:07 BSTUpdated 14:12 BST
73 – Celtic double change
We’ve now entered nailbiting territory at Celtic Park with the hosts dominating possession but not creating anything of note against a well-drilled Hearts defence. Martin O’Neill turns to his bench with Callum Osmond brought on for his first appearance after long-term injury, replacing Auston Trusty – an attacker for a defender. Marcelo Saracchi also replaces Tierney.
Celtic substitutes have scored 16 goals this season. They now have four on the pitch.
14:14 BST
80 – Woodwork and huge save
Celtic are turning the screw in the search for a winner.
A huge let off for Hearts as Iheanacho turns brilliantly at the edge of the box, beats Schwolow all ends up, but the ball rebounds off the pitch. A minute later, Nygren sends a powerful effort towards goal that Schwolow tips away superbly for corner.
Hearts are 10 minutes away from history. Celtic need to score to keep the title at Parkhead.
14:20 BST
85 – Hearts chance
It has been one-way traffic towards the Hearts goal but they break upfield and win a corner. Spittal’s delivery is punched by Sinisalo to the right foot of Kingsley. He wishes it was his left as he scuffs an effort wide. Big chance to seal it for Hearts.
14:23 BSTUpdated 14:28 BST
88 – GOAL Celtic 2 (Maeda) Hearts 1
Could that be the title decider? Osmand pulls it back for Maeda to score from close range and although the flag goes up to temporarily halt the celebrations, a VAR check confirms the goal is good to spark bedlam and the title is now almost certainly staying at Parkhead.
Maeda appeared offside in the first phase of play but not the second so the goal stands.
Hearts will have two minutes plus eight minutes of stoppage time to salvage this.
14:33 BSTUpdated 14:45 BST
90+8 GOAL Celtic 3 (Osmand) Hearts 1
And that is that! Hearts have a final chance from a free-kick and goalkeeper Schwolow goes up. Celtic manage to get it clear and Osmand runs the ball into the empty net from his own half to seal the title.
Hundreds of Celtic fans spill onto the pitch and the game is over. CELTIC ARE CHAMPIONS AGAIN.
Devastation for Hearts.
14:39 BST
Tears flow at Parkhead
Celtic captain Callum McGregor is in tears. What an incredible title win from a Celtic side who looked down and out more than once this season.
There will be Hearts tears too, but for very different reasons. A chance to make history has slipped through their grasp – but what a season they have had.
You can see what it means to everyone. Wow, what a season. Down and out, everyone wrote us off, and it’s only because of what’s inside this building that you can make special things happen. And that’s what we’ve done.
Callum McGregor on Sky Sports
14:56 BST
Ugly scenes amid the joy
Sky Sports reporting that Hearts players were assaulted during the Celtic fans’ pitch invasion.
I understand the emotion of the game. Celtic fans have got a right to celebrate but you can’t cross a line. If it’s right that Hearts players have been assaulted then that is absolutely unacceptable. There’s been so many things wrong with the game up here this season, and we have to address it.
James McFadden on Sky Sports
15:01 BST
Celtic title party
Police Scotland have issued an update on Celtic’s title party plans in Glasgow.
A number of roads are closed in the Trongate area of Glasgow ahead of anticipated title celebrations by Celtic supporters. The Gallowgate is closed between Watson Street and High Street.
London Road is closed between Glasgow Cross and James Morrison Street. High Street and Saltmarket remain open.
People are asked to avoid the Trongate area where possible. We have a comprehensive policing place in place which is focused on ensuring public safety and minimising disruption to the public.
Anyone planning to visit Glasgow City Centre today should be aware it will be much busier than normal, with increased use of public transport.Please plan your travel in advance and thank you for your patience.
Police Scotland statement
15:08 BST
O’Neill on the mic
Martin O’Neill takes the microphone on the pitch as he addresses the adoring Celtic fans after winning his fourth Scottish title as boss. A statue outside Parkhead is surely in the offing for the 74-year-old Northern Irishman.
This is the most special place on earth. When there is absolute unison in this stadium it is a sight to behold. The players have been asbolutely magnificent, epitomised by the captain. But we could not have won it with you (the fans).
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill
15:12 BSTUpdated 15:13 BST
Hearts vacate the premises
Hearts have left Celtic Park without conducting media duties for safety reasons following reports that their players were assaulted during the pitch invasion. Sorry scenes on what should only be a positive day for Celtic Football Club.
15:28 BST
Pitch invasion video
Here is our video of the Celtic fans invading the pitch following their clinching third goal against Hearts.
15:34 BST
Champions 2025-26
Celtic captain Callum McGregor lifts the William Hill Premiership trophy. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)
Celtic captain Callum McGregor lifts the William Hill Premiership trophy. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group) | SNS Group
Celtic captain Callum McGregor lifts the Scottish Premiership trophy for five-in-a-row, 14 in 15 seasons, and a record 56th title in the club’s history. Incredible success.
16:06 BST
Martin O’Neill’s future
Could the Celtic manager remain in charge next season after clinching the title, with the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline to come next week?
I genuinely don’t know.
Has anybody talked to me? No, but I wasn’t expecting that. There will be time for conversations after the cup final.
I’m pretty old so it does take it out of you.
I’m delighted for the team and the supporters. Let’s see what next week brings.
Martin O’Neill on BBC Scotland
16:35 BST
European places
Celtic, by winning the title, will enter the Champions League play-off round next season. Win that, and they enter the league phase proper. Lose and they will enter the Europa League.
The small consolation for Hearts after finishing runners-up is that they also have Champions League qualifiers to look forward to. They enter in the second qualifying round and will need to win three two-legged ties to reach the league phase – but will drop into the Europa League league phase if they win their first tie.
17:02 BSTUpdated 17:04 BST
Final thoughts
An incredible Scottish Premiership campaign has come to an end and Celtic are champions again – and they have a lot to thank VAR for.
After benefiting from a debatable VAR call at Motherwell in midweek, it was a crucial intervention from the much-maligned system that prevented an absolute travesty from occuring as Celtic’s second goal was flagged offside despite Callum Osmand being yards onside before he set up Daizen Maeda to score. Thankfully VAR corrected a grave error from the assistant referee and the goal stood.
The season undoubtedly belonged to Hearts – they have been the story of Scottish football and beyond – but it was Celtic’s day and Celtic’s title. The celebrations in Glasgow will last long into the night.
Thanks for reading our live blog.
SPFL Statement
Sunday 17th May 2026
https://spfl.co.uk/news/spfl-statement-51236
An SPFL spokesperson said: “Firstly, 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.
“We would also like to thank the referee and his excellent team of match officials for their cool heads on such a dramatic day. 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.
“Yesterday’s 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.
“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. 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.”
How the world’s media reacted to Celtic beating Hearts to the Scottish Premiership title
Amir Mir
Sun 17 May 2026 20:30, UK
The build-up to Celtic’s title showdown against Hearts attracted the world’s media.
Usually, Celtic would already have the title wrapped up, so it wouldn’t gain the attention it has this season, especially with that penalty drama around the Motherwell game at Fir Park last Wednesday night.
At the start of the game, the neutrals got their wish because Hearts opened the scoring through Lawrence Shankland, but that’s when Celtic showcased their comeback powers.
Late goals from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand sealed title number 56 for Celtic, as quite a lot of the world’s media focused on Hearts’ heartbreaking end.
beinSPORTS – Middle East
Like many, beinSPORTS mentioned Celtic’s ‘late double’, and how the title was ‘snatched’ from Hearts’ grasp.
beIN SPORTS’ headline read: ‘Celtic hit late double to break Hearts and win Scottish Premiership’, as they also mentioned that the Hoops have now won 14 out of the last 15 titles.
La Gazzetta dello Sport – Italy
Across Europe, Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport stated that the Jambos’ title dreams ‘vanished’ because of Martin O’Neill’s side.
La Gazzetta dello Sport’s headline read: ‘Hearts’ dream vanished with two minutes to go. Celtic overtook them on the final corner and secured their 56th title.’
Bild – Germany
Hearts have a German goalkeeper between their sticks – Alexander Schwolow.
That’s why Bild focused on Schwolow, and the ‘drama’ surrounding the Hearts man, as Celtic shocked their title rivals on the final day.
Bild’s headline read: ‘Drama surrounding German goalkeeper in Scotland: Celtic Glasgow shocks Hearts of Midlothian.’
L’Equipe – France
For Celtic, they are used to winning titles, but if those in Edinburgh had triumphed, then it would have been their first Scottish title since the 60s. That’s why L’Equipe in France mentioned that Hearts’ 41 years of hurt go on.
L’Equipe’s headline read: ‘A title awaited since 1960, 41 years of Glasgow hegemony to break: Heart of Midlothian sees its dream vanish at the very end of the match against Celtic.’
Mundo Deportivo – Spain
Over in southwestern Europe, the Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo kept it simple, as their headline read: ‘3-1. Celtic ends Hearts’ dream in the 87th minute and wins the Scottish League.’
CBS Sports – United States of America
Celtic have two American players on their books – Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty.
Unfortunately for Carter-Vickers, injury has ruled him out for most of the season, but Trusty played a crucial role in Celtic’s title triumph.
Nonetheless, over in their home country of the United States, they stated how the Bhoys ‘snatched’ the title from Hearts’ grasp.
CBS Sports’ headline read: ‘Broken Hearts: Celtic snatch Scottish league title on final day after VAR overturns call in final minutes.’
ESPN – United States of America
While many of the other headlines were focusing on Hearts losing the title at the very end, or their dreams being dashed.
ESPN showed O’Neill some love and how his players showed ‘spirit’ to seal the title on a nerve-racking final day.
ESPN’s headline read: ‘Celtic 3-1 Hearts: Martin O’Neill’s team show spirit of champions to rip up visitors’ fairytale ending.’
Reuters – Global
Just like CBS Sports, Reuters, who operate globally across the world, also used the word ‘snatched’ when describing Celtic’s title win over Derek McInnes’ men.
Reuters’ headline read: ‘Celtic snatch title from Hearts with last-gasp victory on final day.’
The Guardian – England
Quite a lot of the time, fans and media in England verbally batter the game in Scotland and showcase very little understanding of it.
But this season, even those in England have been amazed at what has unfolded in the Premiership. That’s why there were a lot of eyes on Parkhead, from down south, on Saturday.
The Guardian’s headline read: ‘Celtic stun Hearts at the last in dramatic final-day shootout to retain Scottish title.’
Labour grandee escalates his Celtic complaint to FIFA
17th May
https://www.thenational.scot/sport/26114324.labour-grandee-escalates-celtic-complaint-fifa/https://www.thenational.scot/sport/26114324.labour-grandee-escalates-celtic-complaint-fifa/
A Labour Lord has “escalated” his complaint involving Celtic to FIFA, following Neil Doncaster’s response to his claims of Celtic’s win being “predetermined”.
Lord George Foulkes, who served as both a Labour MP and MSP, was chairman at Heart of Midlothian from 2004 to 2005, and attended Saturday’s league decider at Celtic Park,
I sent a formal complaint to the SPFL to which Neil Doncaster kindly sent me their statement in reply.
This does not answer my concerns so I am escalating it to my contact in FIFA who will deal with it when their office opens tomorrow
— George Foulkes (@GeorgeFoulkes) May 17, 2026
After home supporters made their way onto the pitch, following Callum Osmand’s injury-time goal, the match was called to a halt, with the SPFL on Sunday documenting that Don Robertson had blown his whistle for full-time.
Following his earlier calls for “some sort of inquiry”, Foulkes has now taken his complaint further, according to his social media update on X .
The 84-year-old said, “I sent a formal complaint to the SPFL, to which Neil Doncaster kindly sent me their statement in reply.
“This does not answer my concerns, so I am escalating it to my contact in FIFA, who will deal with it when their office opens tomorrow.”
Despite Hearts taking the lead through Lawrence Shankland in the first half, Arne Engels would draw the sides level with a penalty just before half-time.
Two goals from Daizen Maeda and Osmand would secure all three points for the hosts, who won their fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title.