Police Scotland said it will take “robust and swift action” against anyone found to have committed criminality after hundreds of Celtic supporters invaded the pitch at the end of their Premiership title decider with Hearts, with inquiries into the incident ongoing, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland told the Press Association.
The pitch invasion followed Callum Osmand’s goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time that put Celtic 3-1 ahead and effectively sealed the title. Several supporters ran on to the playing surface and some approached Hearts players, and the match did not restart despite there being only about 30 seconds left of stoppage time.
The Edinburgh club recorded, in a statement, “deeply disturbing reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere.” Christian Borchgrevink, an unused substitute for Hearts, told Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang that people became worried, that those on the bench ran out to shield others, and that everyone eventually returned unharmed “but with a little blood here and there.”
Sutherland said police had spoken to Hearts and were following up to determine whether any players had been assaulted. He reiterated that the club is responsible for stadium safety and security while police provide a supporting role to investigate criminality and any necessary policing response. Asked about arrests, he said there had been none so far and that inquiries remained ongoing.
Celtic issued a statement pledging to assist the authorities and apologising to Hearts, saying the club regretted that the victory was followed by individuals entering the field of play, that there was no justification for such behaviour, and that it would co-operate fully with any investigation and with the SPFL. The Scottish Professional Football League said it “utterly condemn[ed]” the encroachment, is awaiting the match delegate’s report on any specific incidents, called supporters entering the field “wholly unacceptable,” and urged anyone with information about alleged criminal activity to contact Police Scotland.
