Hearts Report Abuse After Celtic's Title Celebration Turns Chaotic at Celtic Park

Following Celtic's 3-1 victory over Heart of Midlothian that secured the Scottish Premiership title, the aftermath turned chaotic as Hearts reported "serious physical and verbal abuse" directed at their players and staff during a pitch invasion by jubilant Celtic fans. This incident, described by Hearts as "shameful" and "disgraceful," occurred moments after Callum Osmand scored the title-clinching goal. Hearts expressed their concerns, stating that some of their team members faced confrontations from fans, leading to officials escorting them down the tunnel for safety. The atmosphere inside Celtic Park was deemed "menacing and threatening," prompting Hearts to vacate the stadium within 20 minutes post-match, still in their kits, while Celtic celebrated their trophy lift. In a statement, Hearts condemned the events, emphasizing the need for strong action from football authorities to ensure player and supporter safety, as well as the integrity of the sport. They highlighted that the safety of their staff was their primary concern, which prevented them from participating in post-match media duties and thanking their 752 away fans. Former players, including James McFadden and Chris Sutton, condemned the violence, asserting that players should feel safe on the pitch. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill acknowledged the situation, expressing concern over the reported assaults and the need for officials to address the issue thoroughly. Hearts called for a full investigation into the incident in collaboration with Police Scotland, reiterating that such unacceptable behavior has no place in football.

Source: Sky Sports - 2026-05-16