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Pitch invasions have surged in Scottish football this season, prompting the Scottish FA to push for stricter rules and criminal penalties. Referees now face online harassment, including the leaking of personal details, forcing police surveillance on match officials.
The Scottish Professional Football League has launched investigations into four fixtures, including Celtic’s title-clinching wins over Motherwell and Hearts, after supporters stormed the pitch and Hearts allege players were assaulted. Police Scotland have also opened a criminal inquiry into the incidents at Celtic Park and Fir Park.
Heart of Midlothian condemned remarks defending the Celtic Park pitch invasion that marred their Premiership title loss. Police probe possible assaults on players during the unrest, while the SPFL faces scrutiny over referee timing errors.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has rejected suggestions that the pitch invasion following the club's dramatic title-winning goal embarrassed Scottish football. The 98th-minute strike by Callum Osmond triggered chaos at Celtic Park, with fans storming the field as Hearts players fled the pitch.
A referee’s decision in the heated Celtic-Hearts derby has sparked outrage, with calls for transparency and change in Scottish football officiating. The SPFL faces mounting pressure amid threats of legal action.