Title decider not cut short by pitch invasion - SPFL

Celtic clinched the Scottish Premiership title by defeating Hearts 3-1 at Celtic Park after Callum Osmand scored in the 98th minute. Hearts had led early through a Lawrence Shankland header, and Celtic equalised just before half-time via an Arne Engels penalty. Daizen Maeda scored in the 87th minute to put Celtic ahead. Play did not resume after the final goal, following a pitch invasion after the last action of the match. Hearts left the stadium early, citing a menacing and threatening atmosphere. The SPFL congratulated Celtic, commiserated with Hearts, confirmed the match was not abandoned, praised match officials, and condemned supporters entering the field of play, warning it puts participants at risk and urging reports to Police Scotland.

"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."

"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."

"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.""

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