Celtic stun Hearts at the last in dramatic final-day shootout to retain Scottish title

It was such a shame a Scottish season for the ages had to end this way. It was not even afforded an official final whistle. Celtic were already on the verge of a fifth title in a row as Hearts were counterattacked from a free-kick. With the visiting goalkeeper, Alexander Schwolow, in the wrong half, Celtic’s Callum Osmand had a free run on goal.

Celtic’s third was the trigger for hundreds of supporters to flood the pitch, not only in celebration, but to goad and confront the shattered Hearts players. There was still stoppage time to play, but Hearts headed for the tunnel and never re-emerged. Within 20 minutes, and with players still in their kit, the visitors were on their bus back to Edinburgh under police escort. Given their immense contribution to this championship, it was a depressing scene.

With the Scottish Professional Football League’s chief executive and chair looking on, there should be significant repercussions for Celtic when dust settles. This was a grim, needless way to conclude such a memorable set of months. It was also barely a surprise. Scotland’s clubs and governing bodies have indulged delinquent fans for far too long.

For Martin O’Neill, another title and one that looked unlikely for so long. Hearts had been top of the league since September, their dreams of ending a 66-year wait for the title ruined in such agonising circumstances. With 86 minutes on the clock, this was Hearts’ day as they clung on to the point they required. Celtic’s title is due primarily to a stirring run of seven wins in a row through April and May. Next Saturday, O’Neill could complete a domestic double.

The 1991 meeting of Rangers and Aberdeen marked the last time direct rivals faced off on the final day for the Scottish title. This fixture was a big deal and felt like one; not only in respect of the atmosphere here, but in Edinburgh, where Hearts supporters queued for bars from the crack of dawn.

The stadium announcer asked Celtic to summon the spirit of 1986. Then, Hearts were beaten to the league on goal difference as Celtic trounced St Mirren. Although the situation 40 years on was materially different, the widespread comparisons were natural.

Hearts’ Derek McInnes threw curveballs with his starting selection, with Stephen Kingsley deployed at right-back and Jordi Altena on the left of midfield. Claudio Braga, Scotland’s player of the year, was left on the bench. Braga’s replacement, Pierre Landry Kabore, provided a physicality that said much about Hearts’ approach. It worked during the first quarter of the game, with Celtic looking the nervier side and unable to create opportunity.