Celtic manager Martin O'Neill dismisses claims that the pitch invasion following Saturday's Scottish Premiership title win tarnished the game's image.
Spectators rushed onto the pitch at Celtic Park after Callum Osmand's 98th-minute goal sealed a fifth consecutive championship for the club. The Hearts players, in their kits, left the stadium quickly amid reports of a "menacing and threatening atmosphere." Celtic issued an apology to Hearts and stated their willingness to cooperate with the police investigation.
O'Neill defended the fans' actions during an interview on Talksport. He argued that the game was essentially over when Osmand scored, with only seconds left, and the referee claimed to have blown the final whistle. O'Neill emphasized that the fans' excitement was understandable, given the magnitude of the victory.
"I totally disagree with that," O'Neill said, when asked if the incident tarnished the image of the game. "I don't know about confrontations in terms of the Hearts players. There's a lot of hyperbole about that. Let's find out the real picture."
He was then asked about Hearts referring to the scenes as having "embarrassed Scottish football." O'Neill replied, "As they might do. I just don't believe it. I think it's nonsense."
Premiership organisers the SPFL are waiting for the match delegate's report to consider action. Police said two officers were seriously injured following trouble in Glasgow city centre on Saturday, which resulted in 14 arrests.
- Celtic
- Scottish Premiership
- Heart of Midlothian
- Football
- Scottish Football
I can't believe some people are still mad about this! It's part of the game's passion, right? What do you think?