SPFL investigate Celtic games and play-off fixtures

Disciplinary investigations have been launched into Motherwell v Celtic and Celtic v Hearts, plus two end-of-season lower league play-off fixtures, following spectators entering the pitch after late goals. Celtic won their final two league matches to retain the Premiership title, and pitch incursions occurred at Fir Park on 13 May and Celtic Park on 16 May. Conduct is also being reviewed after Hamilton Academical’s League 1 play-off second-leg win over Clyde on 15 May and Stenhousemuir’s Championship play-off second-leg defeat by Alloa Athletic on 16 May, with pitch incursions reported in both games. The SPFL cited recent incidents involving thrown objects, pyrotechnics, and mass pitch incursions, and referenced prior disciplinary processes in 2025-26. The SPFL is engaging with Scottish government work on football banning orders.

"Spectators entered the pitch following late goals at Fir Park on 13 May and Celtic Park on 16 May as Celtic won their final two league fixtures of the season to retain the Premiership title. Conduct is also being reviewed following Hamilton Academical's League 1 play-off second-leg win against Clyde at Broadwood on 15 May and Stenhousemuir's Championship play-off second leg defeat by Alloa Athletic on 16 May. Hamilton and Stenny both won their ties on aggregate and there were spectators on the pitch following both games."

""In recent seasons, there have been a number of incidents at SPFL matches where objects have been thrown at players or members of staff, orchestrated pyrotechnic displays have taken place, and/or mass pitch incursions have occurred," the SPFL said in a statement. "In season 2025-26 the SPFL concluded 11 disciplinary processes against eight clubs for such incidents. "These statistics do not include the final match days of the season and the SPFL can confirm that the [matches being investigated] are being investigated under SPFL Rules H36 and H37."

""In addition to these disciplinary processes, there is a continuing need for all stakeholders to work together to address the challenges of unacceptable conduct at matches, including pitch encroachments and pyrotechnic use. "The SPFL has engaged fully in the Scottish government's consultation on football banning orders and awaits the next steps in that process.""

"Celtic manager Martin O'Neill says allegations Hearts players were assaulted amid Saturday's pitch invasion "has not been proved". Hearts shareholder Tony Bloom claimed on Wednesday Hearts players were assaulted by Celtic supporters as they ran on the pitch. Police Scotland are investiga"

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