Celtic fans allegedly attacked Hearts players during a pitch invasion at Celtic Park after Celtic won the Scottish Premiership title 3-1. The pitch invasion broke out after Callum Osmand scored in the eighth minute of added time to seal victory for Martin O'Neill's side at the end of a turbulent campaign.
Supporters attacked devastated Hearts players during the wild pitch invasion, with captain Lawrence Shankland seen being punched and kicked. Eyewitnesses reported that Shankland tried to defend himself before police escorted him down the tunnel, while several of his team-mates were also caught up in the trouble.
Former Scotland international Pat Nevin expressed his disgust at the attack on Shankland on BBC Radio 5 Live. Nevin called the incident totally and utterly sickening, disgraceful, and a horrible scene.
Speaking on Sky Sports, James McFadden said that people do not want to see such scenes in a game of football where two teams earned the right to go toe to toe for a trophy. McFadden added that Hearts played their part by a huge stretch and that fans have a right to celebrate, but cannot cross the line.
McFadden stated that if Hearts players were assaulted, it is absolutely unacceptable. He added that many things have been wrong with Scottish football this season that must be addressed.
Post match stadium exit
Hearts players and staff made a hasty exit from Celtic Park following the chaotic scenes. Many squad members were still wearing their kit as they boarded the team bus less than 30 minutes after the final whistle. The crestfallen players left the stadium without conducting any media duties.
The defeat marked a sad end to an incredible campaign for Derek McInnes' team. Hearts had been top of the Scottish Premiership for 226 days since October as they chased their first league title in 66 years. They were also aiming to become the first club outside the Old Firm to win the league since Aberdeen in 1985.
Match events at Celtic Park
Hearts entered the final day two points clear of Celtic. O'Neill's side had closed the gap on Wednesday evening after controversially beating Motherwell 3-2 with a VAR-assisted penalty in the 99th minute. Hearts then took the lead at a boisterous Celtic Park on Saturday when Shankland headed home from a corner for his 16th goal of the season.
Celtic equalised on the stroke of half-time when Arne Engels scored from the penalty spot after Alexandros Kyziridis was penalised for a handball. In the 87th minute, Daizen Maeda put the ball in the net, and the goal was awarded following a review after initially being ruled out by an offside flag.
Osmand then tapped the ball into an empty net late in injury time to ensure Celtic retained their title. The late goal sparked wild scenes inside the stadium and led directly to the pitch invasion at full-time.