Title decider not cut short by pitch invasion - SPFL

The SPFL has confirmed Celtic's title-clinching victory over Hearts on Saturday was not brought to a premature conclusion, while condemning the pitch invasion that followed the last action of a thrilling and chaotic afternoon.

Fans streamed out of the stands at Celtic Park after Callum Osmand ran clear to make it 3-1 on 98 minutes.

Play did not resume, with eight minutes of stoppage time having been announced at the end of the regulation 90.

Hearts began the day one point in front and took the lead through a Lawrence Shankland header.

Celtic levelled with an Arne Engels penalty on the stroke of half-time, while Daizen Maeda fired the defending champions in front on 87 minutes.

Hearts, who had been chasing a first title since 1960, made the decision to make a hasty exit from the stadium, citing a "menacing and threatening atmosphere".

A spokesperson for the SPFL sent congratulations to Celtic and commiserations to Hearts before praising referee Don Robertson and the team of match officials for keeping "cool heads on such a dramatic day".

The statement added: "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."

The SPFL spokesperson went on to "utterly condemn the scenes which saw a number of Celtic supporters encroach on to the field of play".

They explained the governing body will wait for the match delegate report to consider action.

"Supporters entering the field of play in any circumstances is wholly unacceptable and puts those participating and working at a match at risk," they said.

"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."