Police forced to protect Hearts stars as Celtic fans invade pitch after title-clinching goal

Celtic clinched their fifth Scottish Premiership title in a row after a late VAR intervention helped hand Martin O’Neill’s side a 3-1 win over Hearts.

With the game poised at 1-1 and just three minutes remaining, Daizen Maeda slotted home from close range only to see his goal initially ruled out for offside.

However, video replays showed that the Celtic star was onside and Celtic Park erupted when the referee confirmed the goal had been given.

There was more drama to come as Celtic added a third in added time when Callum Osmand slotted home unopposed with Hearts pushing for an equalising goal that would have handed them the title.

That prompted fans to rush onto the pitch in jubilation however tensions appeared to rise with police forced to intervene to protect Hearts’ players and manager Derek McInnes as they made their way down the tunnel.

Hearts, who have sat top of the table for almost the entire season, needed just a point to win their fifth Scottish Premiership title and their first since 1960.

A cagey first half burst into life when captain Lawrence Shankland headed home unmarked to put the leaders in front.

But they were quickly pegged back when Arne Engels kept his cool from the penalty spot in added time at the end of the first half.

Celtic showed more intent after the interval as they chased the winner that would have handed them a fifth consecutive title.

But Hearts reminded their opponents of why they have the best defensive record in the division with a dogged display.

Hearts were in their mouths in the 79th minute when substitute Kelechi Iheanacho struck the base of the post after some neat play on the edge of the box.

Minutes later, Benjamin Nygren’s effort was turned over the crossbar by Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow.

Getty

Getty

But the Edinburgh club were unable to keep the reigning champions at bay when Maeda struck from close range to turn the tide in their favour.

The Japan international was reduced to tears after his goal was adjudged to have been onside.

The title is boss Martin O’Neill’s fourth at the club as the curtain drew on his time at Celtic Park.

The 74-year-old saluted the fans at full-time in a season that has brought much turmoil to the Glasgow giants.

And O’Neill can sign off in style next weekend if Celtic can overcome Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final.