THE SPFL HAS ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:
“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:
https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT26X10-PO1
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.
QR code alternative for the MIPP.
