SPFL seek talks with government over new disorder measures

Hundreds of home fans encroached on the field of play after Callum Osmand netted the eighth-minute stoppage-time goal which secured a 3-1 win and a fifth straight title.

While the match failed to restart despite having 30 seconds of added time left to play, the SPFL match delegate was informed by referee Don Robertson that he did, in fact, bring the game to a close.

A Hearts statement addressed the ‘shameful scenes’ and “deeply disturbing reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere.”

Police have also opened an investigation into ‘unacceptable levels of violence and anti-social behaviour’ in the Trongate area of Glasgow, where approximately 3000 Celtic fans convened to celebrate despite appeals from the Parkhead club to resist congregating.

And the SPFL have now condemned the scenes and asked for discussions with government officials to help emulate a law in England and Wales, which made entering the field of play an offence in 1991.

"Firstly, we send our congratulations to Celtic on winning the William Hill Premiership in the most exciting of circumstances and send our commiserations to everyone at Heart of Midlothian following an incredible campaign,” read a statement.

“We would also like to thank the referee and his excellent team of match officials for their cool heads on such a dramatic day. Given the speculation about the conclusion of the game, we would like to make clear that, prior to awarding the trophy, we were informed by the match referee that the match had ended and had not been abandoned.

"Yesterday’s match showed off the very best of the Scottish game and the drama and excitement that it is rightly famed for. The eyes of the world were on Glasgow and the climax of the William Hill Premiership, with millions of viewers watching the match on Sky Sports and across the globe.

"However, we utterly condemn the scenes which saw a number of Celtic supporters encroach onto the field of play.

“We await the report of our match delegate regarding any specific incidents that took place but, regardless, supporters entering the field of play in any circumstances is wholly unacceptable and puts those participating and working at a match at risk.

“We note that entering the pitch in England and Wales has been a criminal offence since 1991. We urge anyone with information about any alleged criminal activity to contact Police Scotland."

The Herald has learned that league officials now intend to seek discussions with the Scottish Government over the introduction of new laws to deal with the issue, which mirror those introduced in England.

In March a Scottish Cup tie between Celtic and Rangers at Ibrox ended in serious disorder when away fans took to the field of play to celebrate progressing via a penalty shoot out and rivals fans crossed the halfway line to confront them.

The Scottish FA are currently carrying out an independent investigation into the affair with a series of recommendations likely to include a proposed crackdown on pitch invasions and tail-gating, a form of unauthorised entry where a supporter closely follows a legitimate ticket holder at the turnstiles to gain entry without paying.

In England two supporters were handed three-year banning orders in April for tailgating at Wembley Stadium, the first convictions of their kind.

The move followed the introduction of new legislation which made tailgating and other forms of unauthorised entry to football matches a criminal offence.

The Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act came into force ahead of the 2026 Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, making any attempt to enter a stadium without a valid ticket punishable by a fine and a Football Banning Order.