Celtic supporters clashed with riot police on Saturday evening following the club’s Scottish Premiership title victory over Hearts. The match, which ended 3-1 in Celtic’s favor, sparked celebrations that turned violent in Glasgow’s Trongate area.
Disorder Erupts in Glasgow
Thousands of fans gathered to celebrate the team’s success, but police were forced to disperse crowds after disorder broke out. Videos circulating on social media show two Celtic fans fighting each other as riot police moved in. Police Scotland confirmed that officers were pelted with bottles and other missiles. One injured fan was seen being taken away by ambulance staff and riot police.
A Police Scotland spokesperson stated: “Police are dealing with disorder in the Trongate area of Glasgow. Officers went into the crowd to assist with a medical emergency and were faced with significant levels of hostility, with bottles and other missiles thrown at them. Police are now taking decisive action to disperse the crowds. A number of arrests have been made, and we are asking the public to leave or avoid the area at this time.”
Hearts Condemns Shameful Scenes
Hearts released a statement condemning the “shameful scenes” at Celtic Park. They claimed their players and staff were forced to leave immediately due to a “menacing and threatening atmosphere.” The pitch was invaded after Callum Osmand scored in injury time, with some Hearts players confronted by supporters.
The statement read: “Heart of Midlothian utterly condemns the shameful scenes at Celtic Park this afternoon which have, once again, embarrassed Scottish football. Reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere, are deeply disturbing. We are investigating this fully and are in dialogue with Police Scotland. We will make no further comment at this time other than to say that it is completely unacceptable that our players and staff were put in that situation.”
Hearts added that the pitch invasion caused a chaotic end, with uncertainty over whether the match had finished. They expressed disappointment that their players were denied the chance to thank their supporters and called for the strongest possible action from footballing authorities.
Impact on Scottish Football
The incidents have cast a shadow over Celtic’s title triumph, with Hearts emphasizing that the behavior of some fans was unacceptable. The match, which decided the Scottish Premiership title on the final day, saw Celtic secure a dramatic victory, but the post-match violence has drawn widespread criticism.
