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Celtic clinch title as pitch invasion sparks SPFL rebuke

BBC Sport Football •
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The Scottish Premiership title was sealed at Celtic Park as Celtic edged Hearts 3-1 in a dramatic finale on Saturday. Callum Osman’s late run produced the fourth goal, extending the lead to 3-1 deep into added time. After the final whistle, a surge of supporters stormed the pitch, prompting officials to halt any further play. Police later escorted officials off the field amid growing tension.

Hearts entered the match one point ahead, having taken the lead early through Lawrence Shankland’s header. Celtic responded with an Arne Engels penalty at the break to level the score, and Daizen Maeda’s strike in the 87th minute put the champions back in front. The SPL declared the result final, rejecting calls to abandon the game despite the chaos that followed.

With the win, Celtic clinch their 54th league crown, ending Hearts’ bid for a first title since 1960. The SPFL condemned the pitch invasion as “menacing and threatening,” noting the hostile atmosphere forced Hearts supporters to leave prematurely. Fans of both clubs voiced frustration on social media, demanding stricter security. The decisive victory restores Celtic’s dominance while leaving Hearts to regroup ahead of next season.