Hearts seek answers from football authorities over ‘premature ending’ to Celtic clash

Football
21 May 2026 • 12:03 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Hearts seek answers from football authorities over ‘premature ending’ to Celtic clash

  • Hearts have formally questioned the Scottish football authorities regarding the "premature ending" of their title decider against Celtic, which saw Celtic secure the Scottish Premiership.
  • The match concluded after Celtic's Callum Osmand scored a stoppage-time goal, leading to a pitch invasion by home supporters at Celtic Park.
  • Despite the SPFL stating the match ended before the invasion, Hearts expressed concern that a "troubling precedent" has been set where fan actions dictated the game's duration.
  • The Edinburgh club is assisting Police Scotland with investigations into the events and has condemned the pitch invasion, stressing its serious potential consequences.
  • Celtic's 3-1 victory marked their 14th Scottish Premiership title in 15 seasons, thwarting Hearts' ambition to break the Old Firm's long-standing dominance.

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