We note the contents of Heart of Midlothian’s statement yesterday and accompanying letter signed by the club Chair, Calum Paterson. In the interests of transparency, we are happy to set out the facts.
Regarding references to a ‘premature ending of the match’, the Scottish FA’s Chief Governance Officer, Gary Booth, the Head of Refereeing, William Collum, and VAR Manager Martin Atkinson reviewed the audio-visual footage of the period in question on Monday at the club’s request, with Mr Paterson in attendance.
While it was the agreed intention for this meeting to be conducted privately, recent statements have compelled us to consider the public interest in providing clarification and chronology.
To that end, we are happy to publish the relevant audio-visual footage:
It was made clear at that meeting that the match official, Don Robertson, took the correct action in ending the game.
We note there has been speculation regarding the blowing of a final whistle. The Laws of the Game require the referee to signal the end of the match, but do not prescribe the method of that signal.
In the context of what unfolded – which is verified by the footage and the Match Incident Report submitted to the Scottish FA – the match official clearly communicated that the match was ended and not abandoned.
In addition, the match clock does not stop when a goal is scored. The footage shows that when the match official confirms the game has ended, the clock is at 53.07 [98.07], more than the minimum additional time of eight minutes signalled.
It was also apparent from the audio that this decision was taken following dialogue with the Hearts Head Coach, who had intimated concerns over player safety.
For the avoidance of doubt, Law 5 of the IFAB Laws of the Game state that ‘the decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final’.
We fully support the decisive action taken by Don Robertson and his team to end the game.
The Scottish FA was responding to Wednesday’s statement from Hearts, who requested a prompt response:
Heart of Midlothian Football Club would once again like to thank our incredible supporters for their magnificent backing throughout this season, and to provide an update in relation to the events which unfolded at Celtic Park on Saturday.
As previously noted, the Club is investigating events before, during and after the match, and will offer Police Scotland our full support as they continue with their enquiries.
We have also written to the SFA and SPFL setting out our observations and questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the premature ending of the match, and expressing our concern that a troubling precedent has been set whereby a pitch invasion can effectively determine the duration of a football match, rather than the match officials. We have asked them for a prompt response to the points we have raised.
The incursion of spectators onto the field of play must never be condoned under any circumstances, and the seriousness of the potential consequences must be fully understood by supporters and clubs alike.
We are aware of highly irresponsible comments made publicly this week, which appear to seek to defend those who entered the pitch on Saturday and undermine the gravity of the situation.
Those remarks carry dangerous implications, and we call upon the football authorities to ensure that this matter is addressed with the seriousness it demands, and with the full cooperation of all involved.
This has been an excellent season for Heart of Midlothian. However, it represents only the very beginning of our plans for long-term sustained success. We look ahead to next season with confidence, supported as ever by the exceptional backing of our fans, sponsors and partners.
Everyone at the Club congratulates Martin, our players and all our staff on delivering the club’s 56th Scottish league title and a thrilling climax to the season backed by a magnificent support.
We thank Celtic fans for everything they have done to help the team over the line.
The Club regrets that our victory over Hearts was followed by a number of individuals entering the field of play.
We again emphasise that there is no justification for this behaviour which, for the vast majority of Celtic supporters, only detracts from the joy of such occasions.
Celtic will co-operate fully with any investigation and with the SPFL in their own processes.
We also apologise to Hearts for the situation encountered by their players and staff at the conclusion of the game, and for the fact that these events prevented them from saluting their own supporters at the end of an enthralling campaign, to which they have contributed so much.
“Firstly, we send our congratulations to Celtic on winning the William Hill Premiership in the most exciting of circumstances and our commiserations to everyone at Heart of Midlothian following an incredible campaign.
“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.”
Two officers seriously injured and 14 arrests made following disorder in Glasgow
Fourteen people were arrested in Glasgow during and after Celtic’s Premiership title win on Saturday, 16 May, 2026.
Four arrests were made at Parkhead stadium during the match and 10 in the Trongate area of the city. They relate to a number of offences including mobbing and rioting, resisting arrest, police assault and possession of offensive weapons. Officers also seized pyrotechnics and alcohol at both locations.
During the violence that followed, two officers were seriously injured and three members of the public required hospital treatment.
Significant work remains ongoing around the disorder and officers will be reviewing CCTV and capturing statements to identify those responsible.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: “The large majority of people at the Trongate yesterday were in a celebratory mood and simply wanted to support the victory of their team.
“However, we once again saw significant disorder and anti-social behaviour when police responded to a medical emergency within the crowd. A man was found unresponsive after taking unwell and continues to receive treatment in hospital. While dealing with this, our officers came under sustained attack from missiles and bottles, which resulted in two of them being seriously injured.
“I cannot condemn this behaviour strongly enough. It is completely unacceptable.
“Our officers must be kept safe when doing their job. They acted bravely, courageously and with the highest degree of professionalism throughout the event. They took decisive action, which was entirely appropriate, to clear those intent on violence and disorder, and make arrests.
“The minority of individuals involved will face the most robust action from Police Scotland and partners as we move forward. If you were involved in criminality, expect us to be knocking at your door.
“Once again, Police Scotland has been left holding the responsibility and accountability for supporters away from the stadium at the Trongate.
“We have strong and positive relationships with Celtic Football Club and Glasgow City Council on a day-to-day basis to keep people safe, but on this particular issue more must be done.
“Celtic FC and football authorities, working with local authorities and Police Scotland, must take greater responsibility. This cannot happen again at any future celebrations.”
We are also carrying out enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage from Parkhead stadium in Glasgow following the pitch invasion and disorder that followed. We continue to engage with Hearts of Midlothian FC to establish if any of their players were assaulted on the pitch.
The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.
We would appeal to anyone with footage or photos of criminality from Parkhead or around the Trongate area to upload it using the online form here:
Information can also be passed to Police Scotland via 101 quoting Operation Gristaline. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
Four further arrests were also made in the vicinity of Tynecastle Stadium in Edinburgh on Saturday, 16 May, 2026 in connection with breach of the peace, and assault and robbery offences.
HEARTS managerDerek McInnes says today’s end of season finale is the perfect last act for Scottish football, adding that it was an eventuality he had always been preparing for.
The Jambos head along the M8 knowing a draw, or victory will be enough to deliver a first Premiership title in 66 years. An incredible opportunity, as the head coach targets that one final big performance to get over the line.
Speaking to the media ahead of today’s match, McInnes said:“We need to go there and perform well, first and foremost.
“I think any time you go to Celtic Park with your team; you’ve got to do so many things right. There’s a consistency, a messaging of what you need to try and do there. And obviously tomorrow, with everything that entails, that just gets amplified, really, because it’s a perfect ending to a season for the league, Scottish football, for drama and excitement. It’s pure box office.
“It’s been a long time, I think, since both teams who could win the title go head-to-head. To be honest, I felt it for a while, obviously, when the fixtures came out. There’s still a lot of football to be played, so you can’t really say that at the time, for obvious reasons, but I genuinely thought it would go the full way, and we’ve kind of been preparing for that.
“In that sense, we knew we’d have to get good wins, and obviously Celtic, in the last wee while, they’ve shown those improvements as well, and consistency of results. Fair play to them, fair play to our boys for making this the situation that’s there now.
“It’s important now that we have that one big performance in us, to try and get over the line and get the title won. The good thing for me is the confidence I feel in the players is so strong. We have to go there with courage; we have to go there with belief and be bullish with our work.
“It’ll be bedlam, it’ll be an unbelievable atmosphere, just because of what’s at stake. But I think that there might be people out there, who think everything’s back on script now, Celtic win their home game, win their league, and that’s what Celtic have done for the last wee while. They’ve been the team that have won more titles, but we’ve ripped the script up so often this season, and we’ve got one more in us I think, and it’s up to us to try and make that happen.”
The eyes of the world will be watching come 12:30pm on Saturday, but the head coach admits he has no concerns regarding nerves, as the Jambos have dealt with various types of pressure all season.
“I’m not nervous about it, but I think dealing with nerves is part of professional sport, particularly when it gets to this stage. Whether it’s the last few holes in a golf tournament, whether it’s the last set in tennis, whether it’s the last round of a boxing match, whether it’s football, where you have to get it all on the line.
“Nerves are a part of that and how you control that sort of situation. There’s been a lot of pressure on our lads for a long time now, and I think that when you play for a club like Hearts, there is pressures, and there should be, there’s an expectation there, but I think the players have dealt with it brilliantly throughout the campaign.
“I’m actually not concerned with that side of it. Of course, the game’s huge and it’ll be different in so many aspects of that, but it’s also exciting. As managers and players, we play in some tough venues, but you have to sometimes celebrate and enjoy playing in what it is on Saturday.
“60,000 fans, live on TV, a brilliant atmosphere, it’s all at stake. I’d rather be playing in it than watching it, and the fact that we’re taking part in it is brilliant for us. We’re having such a brilliant season, breaking all sorts of records.
“At some point, maybe we allowed ourselves to think that 80 points internally might have been enough. Certainly, before the split fixtures, I thought 80 might have been enough to myself, not to the players, but it’s going to be 81 and we need that one more point.”
“We’ve got a team who are hell-bent and who are so used to winning and making things go their way, trying to stop us, so it’s set up brilliantly.”
Martin O’Neill: Atmosphere at Celtic Park will be electric for league title decider
After 37 games, which began with a 1-0 victory over St Mirren back in August last year, the destination of the 2025/26 Premiership title comes down to the final game of the season – a match between Scotland’s top two teams at Celtic Park.
A Celtic victory will see the Hoops crowned champions for the fifth year in a row, while Hearts will secure their first title since 1960 if they can avoid defeat.
It has been a rollercoaster of a campaign for Celtic, with Martin O’Neill enjoying his second spell as manager this season, and the Irishman has the chance to win his first league title since 2004, when he was first manager of the football club.
He is looking forward to the title showdown, as he explained in his pre-match press conference at Lennoxtown.
“It’s been a privilege to come back again,” he said. “I would never have thought it in a million years that this could have happened, and so I should actually enjoy it more than I’m doing.
“We’re really looking forward to it now and why shouldn’t we? It’s a big, big game. Naturally, we have to win it. Hearts don’t, so the advantage is with them in that aspect but we’ll be going out all guns blazing to try and win.
“From the game against Dundee United at Tannadice, we’ve woken up, we’re a better side, we’ve now got a bit more confidence about ourselves.
“And if you’d said to me after Tannadice that we had to win all our games, I would have thought that was a tall order. As it turns out, we’ve had to do that.
“I just think the players are ready for the game. They’ve had things their own way in recent times, but now they’ve had to fight and so far they’ve shown up for it and they’re ready to go.
“But the game’s in the balance. We’re at home, we have to win. Hearts just have to avoid defeat, and it’ll be a tough game for both teams.”
Controversy has raged in the media since Wednesday night’s late penalty award gave Celtic a 3-2 win over Motherwell to set up Saturday’s title shoot-out.
And as well as pointing out that it was a penalty since the ball hit Motherwell player, Sam Nicholson on the hand, the Celtic manager also acknowledged why the decision has generated so many headlines and so much comment.
“I’m not surprised because everybody wants Hearts to win. It’s really as simple as that,” Martin O’Neill said. ‘Everybody outside Celtic and the Celtic diaspora wants Hearts to win. (Not strictly true, Martin – quite a number of Hibs supporters would beg to differ! – Ed.)
“If Hearts win or draw the game, then they will deserve to win the league, and if we can win, somewhere along the way, I think we’ve deserved to win it.
“It’s the number of points you end up with at the end of the season that determines these things, but in terms of the atmosphere, it will be electric.”
THE Scottish FA issued a statement yesterday following Wednesday night’s controversial penalty decision:
(Referee)John Beaton and his family spent last night at home under police surveillance following a leak of personal details online.
The Scottish FA condemns in the strongest possible terms attempts to compromise the safety of match officials. Such vigilantism, motivated by decisions perceived to be right or wrong on a field of play, is a scourge on our national game and we are grateful to Police Scotland for their swift intervention.
We are also clear, sadly, that this is the inevitable consequence of the heightening criticism, intolerance and scapegoating demonstrated this season by media pundits, supporters, official supporters’ groups, clubs, players, managers and former match officials.
We do not make that point lightly as the national association. Yet it is an inconvenient truth. Those who have sought to apportion blame and conspiracy towards match officials to deflect from defeats or perceived injustices throughout the season have contributed to an environment that puts the safety of our staff and match officials in jeopardy.
This is the consequence of a hysterical media narrative, fuelled by irresponsible knee-jerk post-match media interviews, commentary and official social media posts. The cumulative effect impacts on our ability to provide enough referees to service our game at all levels. When it compromises the safety and wellbeing of our most senior match officials, enough is enough.
Referees are not infallible. Mistakes will be made on the field, and subjective calls made in front of the VAR monitor, just as managers will pick the wrong team, goalkeepers concede soft goals and strikers miss from five yards out. Yet the reaction to these inevitabilities could not be more contrasting.
What happened yesterday is not an isolated incident. There are many examples of match officials being placed in harmful situations but with individuals fearful of speaking out lest it exacerbates the situation or causes further alarm to friends, family and colleagues.
We will not allow this to become the norm. We will not allow a situation where match officials require special provision to protect their children at school to be considered an occupational hazard. We will not allow a situation where staying at home with the front door locked and avoiding the hazards of public interaction becomes a coping strategy.
The Scottish FA will be seeking to strengthen its rules to better protect those integral to the game and urge those who will doubtless join us in condemning incidents like this to support those proposals, not contribute to their watering-down on the basis of self-preservation.
As we approach what should be an exciting finale to the season, we ask those who have personalised and hyperbolised their opinions, those who have sought the easy way out by attributing defeats to perceived refereeing errors, and those who have approved incendiary statements and posts to reflect on their contribution to creating an environment of intimidation, fear and alarm.
We urge tolerance and perspective to prevent any further, unthinkable escalation.
The game kicks off at 12.30pm.
INCIDENTALLY, Hibs could qualify for European football next season if they can overcome a very good Motherwell side at Easter Road this afternoon. Just saying!
Ahead of Saturday’s football match, the Lord Provost has issued the following statement:
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “On behalf of the city, I want to wish Heart of Midlothian the very best of luck against Celtic on Saturday.
“It really is incredible that it’s come down to this final showdown between the top two. Hearts have had such a great season, bringing so much joy, excitement and inspiration to their fans and to the wider community. They really have been the ‘talk of the toon’ and you can literally feel the buzz in and around Gorgie.
“Should they go on to win the title, it would be huge moment for the club and for the city. Not only would it be their first league triumph since 1960, they would also be the first club outside the Old Firm to do so for over 40 years.
“How wonderful if would be if the team ending that run and bringing the trophy home was an Edinburgh club. Go on the Jam Tarts!”
All of us at the Foundation of Hearts congratulate our magnificent team and manager, Derek McInnes, on their outstanding achievements in this momentous season, and urge all Heart of Midlothian supporters to get right behind them for Saturday’s final game of the campaign.
We have, however, been extremely concerned by a number of refereeing and VAR decisions across the last two rounds of fixtures, which have had a significant impact on outcomes for Hearts and others. That this has occurred at such a crucial stage of the season is particularly disappointing.
We understand that the club shares these concerns and has made representations to the football authorities seeking clarification on recent decisions.
At a time when Scottish football is subject to heightened scrutiny, both nationally and internationally, it is important that confidence in officiating standards is maintained.
We therefore call on those responsible for the officiating of Saturday’s match to ensure that the highest standards of decision-making are applied, so that the game is decided by the players on the pitch and the team is given the fair opportunity it has earned.
Officers investigating disorder at the Scottish Cup Quarter Final have released CCTV images of 24 people they believe may be able to assist with their ongoing enquiries.
The match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, took place on Sunday, 8 March, 2026.
Those depicted or anyone who believes they may recognise them are asked to contact police, quoting incident number 0899 of 8 March, 2026.
Anyone with information can call 101 or can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Information can also be sent directly to the investigation team.
The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form to pass information, images and footage directly to the Major Investigation Team and can be accessed here:
Five further arrests after disorder at Scottish Cup quarter-final
POLICE investigating disorder at the Scottish Cup Quarter Final between Rangers and Celtic on Sunday, 8 March, 2026, have made five further arrests.
Four men, two aged 18, and others aged 26, and 46, along with a 17-year-old male youth, were arrested and charged in connection with culpable and reckless conduct. One of the 18-year-olds was also charged with threatening and abusive behaviour.
They are due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.
This brings the total number of arrests in connection with the disorder to 26.
Hibernian supporters are invited to submit tributes to friends and family who have sadly passed away ahead of our final home game of the season against Motherwell on Saturday 16 May at Easter Road.
An annual tradition, messages and photographs from supporters will be displayed on the stadium screens before kick-off, allowing fans to remember fellow Hibees who are no longer with us and have passed away in the last year.
Tributes should include the person’s name, a message of no more than 150 letters (including spaces), and one photograph. To be included, please complete the form below by midday on Wednesday 6 May.
The Scottish football superfan examines the contemporary state of football and its cultural significance
Ahead of Scotland meeting Brazil once again in the upcoming Men’s FIFA World Cup 2026, Scottish football superfan and one of the UK’s most critically acclaimed comedians Kevin Bridges is undertaking an international journey to examine the contemporary state of football and its cultural significance.
Travelling to locations including Brazil, Scotland and the USA, the programme explores how football is experienced across different communities and environments.
Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game (1×60’) is a brand-new commission for BBC Scotland, BBC One and iPlayer and will be made by Bango Studios, the production company established by BAFTA, RTS and Grierson-winning producers Emily Hudd and Iain Wimbush.
The special will follow Bridges as he engages with players, supporters and local voices to understand the role football plays today, examining themes of identity, community and change, and how the meaning of the game may have evolved over time.
For the first time in 28 years Scotland are going to the FIFA Men’s World Cup. And, in a beautiful coincidence (or nightmare) they’re playing Brazil again. It’s indisputably the biggest sporting event in Scotland’s recent memory and gives Scotland the opportunity to score their first ever victory over Brazil and a result that would instantly become one of the most memorable in Scottish football history.
Part travel adventure and part football investigation, Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game will see Kevin immerse himself in the deep-rooted relationship with football found across the world. And it’s Kevin’s own personal mission to see whether the joy of football he experienced in the 1998 World Cup still exists in football today.
Kevin Bridges said: “I’ve been a football fan for as long as I can remember, I was 11 years old when Scotland last qualified for the World Cup, a lot has changed about football since then and like a lot of people, I’ve become a little disillusioned with where the game is headed.
“I’m excited to be setting out on this mission; to see if the game still has a soul and that its beauty is not yet lost.”
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC, said: “Kevin Bridges is one of the UK’s most beloved comedians, as well as a lifelong football obsessive.
“For the first time in 28 years, Scotland are back in the World Cup, and so Kevin’s off on an international journey to explore the contemporary state of football, its cultural significance and enduring appeal, in the hope he can bring home a few tips.
“We cannot wait to bring Kevin’s adventures to screen ahead of the BBC’s coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup this year.”
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland, said: “Kevin will be treating audiences to his trademark wit on a journey which will be a perfect warm-up to Scotland’s return to the World Cup stage.
“He combines genuine admiration for Brazil’s footballing prowess with the traditional passion of a proud Scotland supporter. The result is a win for viewers – a documentary that’s funny, curious, and heartfelt.”
Iain Wimbush, Executive Producer for Bango Studios, said: “We all know what an incredible talent Kevin is – and it’s an honour to work with him on this passion project and create his own personal countdown to the world cup.”
Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game will air ahead of the BBC’s coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.
Fans will be able to watch the highly anticipated final match of Group C, Scotland v Brazil, live from the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on BBC One and BBC iPlayer as part of the BBC’s extensive coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup. The match itself kicks off at 11pm (BST) on 24 June 2026.
Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game (1 x 60’) is a Bango Studios production, co-commissioned by BBC Scotland and BBC Entertainment, for BBC One, BBC Scotland and iPlayer.
Commissioners for the BBC are Neil McCallum for BBC Entertainment and Heather Kane-Darling for BBC Scotland. Iain Wimbush is the Executive Producer for Bango Studios. It will be produced by Liam O’Hare, and directed by BAFTA award winning director, Tommy Forbes.
