Celtic Apologizes to Hearts Over 98th-Minute Pitch Invasion, Backs Police Probe
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 17
Celtic Apologizes to Hearts Over 98th-Minute Pitch Invasion, Backs Police Probe
12 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 17
Celtic apologized to Hearts after fans flooded the pitch when Callum Osmand's 98th-minute goal sealed a 3-1 win and a fifth straight Scottish Premiership title.
Hearts said their players left Celtic Park still in kit because of a "menacing and threatening atmosphere" and were unable to salute their own supporters.
Celtic said the behavior of some fans had no justification, detracted from the title celebrations and would be fully examined with police and the SPFL.
The SPFL said the match was ended by referee Don Robertson rather than abandoned, despite play not resuming before the clock reached the allocated 98 minutes.
The league condemned the field incursion as unacceptable, said it would await the match delegate's report before considering action, and urged witnesses to contact Police Scotland.
Celtic apologized for the title-winning chaos, but is the club or a toxic fan culture ultimately to blame?
As hooliganism escalates, should Scottish football adopt the tougher laws and penalties seen across the border in England?