Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has dismissed claims that Saturday's pitch invasion after his side's dramatic title-winning goal embarrassed the game, calling the criticism "nonsense."
Osmand’s 98th-minute strike sealed a fifth successive Scottish Premiership title for Celtic, but it also triggered a chaotic pitch invasion as supporters spilled onto the field. Hearts players, still in their kits, were hurriedly escorted from the pitch as the atmosphere at Celtic Park descended into bedlam.
The Scottish Professional Football League has confirmed it is awaiting the match delegate’s report to determine any disciplinary action. A police spokesperson confirmed two officers were seriously injured during disturbances in Glasgow city centre later that night, resulting in 14 arrests.
| Incident | Celtic | Hearts |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch invasion | Fans stormed field after title-winning goal | Players fled pitch amid safety concerns |
| Post-match statement | Issued apology to Hearts | Described "menacing and threatening atmosphere" |
| Police response | Cooperating with investigation | Two officers injured, 14 arrests made |
Speaking on Talksport, O’Neill pushed back against suggestions the scenes tarnished Celtic’s achievement. "I totally disagree with that," he said. "I don’t know about confrontations in terms of the Hearts players. There’s a lot of hyperbole about that. Let’s find out the real picture."
📋 By The Numbers
- 98th minute — Time Osmond scored the title-winning goal
- 14 arrests — Made in Glasgow city centre disturbances
- 2 officers — Seriously injured in post-match unrest
O’Neill also questioned why pitch invasions should be singled out as unacceptable when they occur across football. "Well, start telling that to every single football club," he said. "I assumed the final whistle had gone when we scored the third goal. It’s a home game, we’d just won the league, and the fans came on to the field. So they should stay put then?"
💡 Pro Tip
Clubs should review stadium safety protocols immediately after volatile crowd scenes to prevent escalation. Clear communication between stewards, police, and players can mitigate risks before tensions rise.
The SPFL has not yet announced whether further sanctions will follow the match delegate’s findings. Celtic issued a statement on Sunday apologising to Hearts and pledging full cooperation with police inquiries.
Key Points
- ✅ Celtic manager Martin O'Neill rejects claims that the pitch invasion embarrassed Scottish football
- ⚡ Hearts players were rushed off the pitch as fans stormed the field after Callum Osmond's 98th-minute winner
- 💡 The SPFL is awaiting a match delegate’s report to consider disciplinary action
Police confirmed two officers were seriously injured in Glasgow city centre disturbances following the match, with 14 arrests made. The unrest came amid an already charged atmosphere after Celtic’s dramatic title win.
- Late drama — Osmond’s 98th-minute goal sealed the title as eight minutes of stoppage time were played
- Immediate chaos — Fans spilled onto the pitch, forcing Hearts players to flee the field
- Aftermath scrutiny — O’Neill defends fan behaviour, while police investigate city centre violence