Celtic secured the Scottish Premiership title in extraordinary fashion, beating Hearts 3-2 in a chaotic final-day encounter that ended with a pitch invasion and the visitors leaving the stadium before the final whistle. The result meant Celtic clinched a fifth consecutive league crown, overturning Hearts' long-standing lead at the top of the table.
Hearts had led 2-1 with just minutes remaining, needing only a draw to end their 66-year title drought. However, a late equaliser from substitute Kelechi Iheanacho and a stoppage-time winner from Callum Osmand sparked wild scenes. As Osmand ran through on goal after a Hearts free-kick broke down, hundreds of Celtic fans poured onto the pitch, forcing the match to be abandoned prematurely. Hearts players headed for the tunnel and did not return.
The victory completed a remarkable turnaround for Celtic, who trailed Hearts for much of the season before a run of seven consecutive wins in April and May propelled them to the summit. Manager Martin O'Neill now has the chance to complete a domestic double next Saturday in the Scottish Cup final.
Hearts had taken the lead through a Lawrence Shankland header from a corner, but Celtic equalised via an Arne Engels penalty just before half-time after a handball decision. Hearts regained the lead in the second half, but Celtic's relentless pressure eventually told. The result left Hearts shattered, with their fans left to rue what might have been after leading the league since September.
The Scottish Professional Football League is expected to investigate the pitch invasion, which marred an otherwise thrilling conclusion to the season. Celtic may face sanctions for the behaviour of their supporters, who confronted Hearts players on the pitch.
