SPFL forced to release statement clarifying if Celtic game ended or was abandoned

The SPFL have confirmed Celtic’s match against Hearts was not abandoned by the referee.

Martin O’Neill’s side clinched a record-breaking 56th Scottish title at their opponents’ expense on Saturday with a dramatic triumph over the pre-match league leaders at Celtic Park.

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Goals from Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand sealed a 3-1 comeback victory for the hosts.

However, their win was marred by the scenes which followed Osmand’s goal in second half stoppage time.

With Hearts pushing for an equaliser, goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow had gone forward for a free-kick.

It allowed Osmand to score into an empty net after Celtic cleared the ball and broke forward on the counter-attack.

As the forward found the net, though, hundreds of supporters poured onto the pitch in celebration.

Referee Don Robertson responded by taking the players off of the pitch, causing confusion as to whether the match had ended.

SPFL statement

The SPFL have now clarified the situation in a statement on social media.

In a post shared to X on Sunday, they 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.

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“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.”

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Hearts, who had been aiming to win their first league title for 66 years, had taken the lead through Lawrence Shankland.

However, Engels’ penalty cancelled out their opener just before half time.

Celtic’s late goals then secured all three points as they leapfrogged Hearts to win the title.

Following the pitch invasion, Hearts’ players were seen boarding their team bus whilst still in their match kit.

They subsequently arrived back at Tynecastle in tears after failing in their mission to become the first team from outside the Old Firm to be crowned champions since 1985.