Celtic apologise to Hearts after pitch invasion at title win

Celtic has issued a statement apologising to Hearts after fans invaded the pitch on Saturday.

Hundreds of Celtic fans streamed on to the playing surface when Callum Osmand netted in the eighth minute of stoppage-time to put the Hoops 3-1 ahead and effectively seal the championship.

Several ran towards Hearts players and the Edinburgh club noted “deeply disturbing reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere” in the club’s own statement released on Saturday evening.”

Hearts players quickly left Celtic Park without getting changed due to what the Edinburgh club described as a “menacing and threatening atmosphere inside the stadium”.

Celtic responded saying there is “no justification” for the behaviour and that the club will co-operate with any investigations.

The statement read: “Everyone at the Club congratulates Martin, our players and all our staff on delivering the club’s 56th Scottish league title and a thrilling climax to the season backed by a magnificent support.

“We thank Celtic fans for everything they have done to help the team over the line.

“The Club regrets that our victory over Hearts was followed by a number of individuals entering the field of play.

“We again emphasise that there is no justification for this behaviour which, for the vast majority of Celtic supporters, only detracts from the joy of such occasions.

“Celtic will co-operate fully with any investigation and with the SPFL in their own processes.

“We also apologise to Hearts for the situation encountered by their players and staff at the conclusion of the game, and for the fact that these events prevented them from saluting their own supporters at the end of an enthralling campaign, to which they have contributed so much.”

The SPFL released a statement on Sunday afternoon saying: “We utterly condemn the scenes which saw a number of Celtic supporters encroach onto the field of play.

“We await the report of our match delegate regarding any specific incidents that took place but, regardless, supporters entering the field of play in any circumstances is wholly unacceptable and puts those participating and working at a match at risk.

“We urge anyone with information about any alleged criminal activity to contact Police Scotland.”