Chaotic end to Celtic’s 3-1 victory over Hearts saw pitch invasion before final whistle – while Jambos were left devastated after missing out on title.
Celtic fans clashed with riot police last night following their side’s victory over Hearts in one of the most dramatic title deciders in living memory.
The season finale showdown saw the Hoops beat the Jambos 3-1 in the dying minutes of the match, ending the Edinburgh side’s dream of a first league win in 66 years. The game ended in chaos after Celtic fans invaded the Parkhead pitch before the final whistle and confronted players from both teams.
It came after Callum Osmand’s injury-time goal sealed the title. Jambos captain Lawrence Shankland appeared to be targeted aggressively by rival fans, with other Hearts players and manager Derek McInnes escorted down the tunnel by police and security, in scenes likely to be probed by cops.
Police later said they were taking “decisive action” to disperse crowds in Glasgow city centre after being pelted with bottles and other missiles while assisting a medical emergency. A spokesman said officers faced “significant levels of hostility” in the Trongate area and advised people to leave the area.
After the match the Hearts team, many in tears and still wearing their matchday kits, arrived back at Tynecastle to greet fans following a heroic campaign that had seen them lead the league since September.
Meanwhile, Hoops fans celebrated as Celtic secured their fifth consecutive league crown – and 14th title in 15 years – defying pleas from the club and council not to gather in the city centre.
After the final whistle, thousands poured on to the streets of Glasgow, amassing in the Merchant City and Trongate to party. Out in celebration were mother and daughter Angie and Debbie-Jo Mullen, from the Gorbals, who had been at odds during the nail-biting match.
Angie said: “I was saying to her all day, ‘We’re gonnae win, we’re gonnae win.’ She didn’t believe me.”
Debbie-Jo said: “I didn’t think we were going to do it. Nothing compares to this win, it’s the best. Better than the treble treble, the quadruple treble.”
Jason Kearney, also from Glasgow, said: “This is the sweetest win. We’ve had a terrible season so to go down to the wire, and to see it delivered on the last day against a team that’s been top since Sep-tember, we’re on cloud nine.”
Chanting crowds kept gathering into the evening at Trongate amid a boozy party atmosphere, with pyrotechnics set off, fans clamb- ering up lampposts and traffic lights and police keeping a watchful eye. PJ Brown, from Uddingston, Lanarkshire, said: “I’m feeling fantastic. Two months ago, I did not see this coming.”
Hoops diehard Stan Frontczak told how he’d travelled up from Huddersfield, Yorkshire, to be in Glasgow for the match. He said: “I swear one day they’re going to give me a heart attack. You’ve just got to hang in there. Anything’s possible.” Families with young kids could also be found soaking up the atmosphere.
Mum Megan, who was there with young son Jack and his dad Gerry, said: “We’re ecstatic, buzzing. It’s amazing to make memories like this. We’ll never forget it.”
There was a heavy police presence in Glasgow for the match and ahead of kick-off as officers erected a cordon in the Gallowgate to protect the Mercat building.
As a precaution, glass was removed from bus stop shelters, while the club urged supporters to avoid mass gatherings that could have a “high impact” on the city.
Celtic had faced criticism from Police Scotland over the lack of an organised event and concerns about possible disorder.
For Hearts, either a draw or a win would have delivered the Jambos their first league title since 1960 and brought it back to Edinburgh. No team from outside Glasgow has lifted the trophy since Aberdeen 41 years ago.
The final-day showdown was confirmed last Wednesday after Celtic defeated Motherwell in a match that included a controversial VAR-awarded penalty in the 99th minute. Yesterday afternoon, Hearts fans headed home to Edinburgh devastated despite their exceptional season.
Pubs near Hearts’ Tynecastle stadium were also full long before kick-off as fans poured in filled with hope, with queues out the doors. The Haymarket Bar was filled to capacity with maroon shirts, with some fans watching through the windows.
Removal men Connor Orphant and Ciaran Foulsner watched nervously only to be left gutted – but still proud – at the final whistle. Connor, from Prestonpans, East Lothian, said: “Hearts made us believe. It wasn’t to be but I’m convinced this is only the start for this team. I’m actually the proudest I’ve ever been. It’s onwards and upwards for Hearts.”
Fellow Jambo Chris Thomson, from Kinross, said: “I’m speechless after watching that. We deserved a lot more after the season we’ve had.”
Fraser Donaldson, who lives in Glasgow, travelled to Edinburgh and brought his Rangers-supporting son to the pub in the hope of converting him. Fraser said: “Before this season, I never thought I’d see Hearts win the league. We got so close. It was VAR again. C’est la vie.”
Plant machinery dealer Richard Rose said: “We’ll drown our sorrows today then come back stronger next year. We’ve been phenomenal.”
Twins Alan and Iain Gray, both lifelong Hearts fans and season ticket holders, celebrated their 77th birthday together watching the match in Iain’s home in Edinburgh.
Hearts later branded scenes at Parkhead “shameful, menacing and threatening”. A statement added: “Reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere, are deeply disturbing.”
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