Soccer Football - Scottish Premiership - Celtic v St Mirren - Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - May 18, 2024 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers poses with the trophy with his players after winning the Scottish Premiership REUTERS/Craig Brough
Joe Hart was front and centre of the celebrations as Celtic were crowned champions of Scotland for the 54th time.
Back in February the former England internationalist ended speculation about his future by announcing that his playing career would end in May when his Celtic contract expired.
There would be no final pay day in the MLS or Saudi Pro League, it was all systems go as he looked to sign off his career as a winner at Celtic.
Through much of February and March the odds were lengthening on Celtic winning the title but after a 3-3 draw at Ibrox on April 7 the title was very much in the hands of Brendan Rodgers’ side.
? “Celtic are champions of Scotland ?????!”
The moment they’ve been waiting for as Callum McGregor lifts the #cinchPrem trophy ?? pic.twitter.com/CRFq1yGpy4
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 18, 2024
On Wednesday away to Kilmarnock a 5-0 win secured the SPFL title with the clock rapidly ticking down on Hart’s legendary career, Rugby Park was his final away day.
Today he said farewell to Celtic Park, two first half goals from Mark O’Hara denied him a clean sheet but replies from Matt O’Riley, Kyogo Furuhashi and Luis Palma ensured that there was a winning finish to Hart’s league career.
Straight after Palma’s goal Hart was given a hero’s send off as Scott Bain took his place but there was still more to follow.
Soon after the final whistle there was that special moment, the reward for efforts over 38 matches, coming through the challenges and setbacks to finish up with six wins on the bounce, collecting 10 points from four Glasgow Derbies.
Not many players achieve the connection that Hart has managed with the Celtic support, after three eventful and successful seasons his place in Celtic folklore is secure.
It was the perfect send off, the fans and the goalkeeper made the most of the afternoon with some never to be forgotten scenes.
