GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 16: Cameron Devlin of Heart of Midlothian reacts after conceding a third goal scored by Callum Osmand of Celtic (not pictured) during the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park on May 16, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Tearful Hearts players returned to Tynecastle in their full kits after losing the SPFL title to Celtic.
After 86 minutes in the match the trophy was bound for Tynecastle.
But a goal from Daizen Maeda in the 87th minute turned the course of the title race.
Despite David Roome raising his flag for offside the goal stood following a VAR check. Just like Douglas Ross two weeks ago when Maeda scored away to Hibs.
Eight minutes of stoppage time was added with Hearts forcing a corner straight from the restart.
Celtic defended doggedly with Dane Murray sent on to restore a back four.
Celtic defended their penalty box well but in the seventh minute of stoppage time Hearts had another free-kick midway inside the Celtic half.
Goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow was sent up to cause distress but the free kick was poorly taken.
When the cleared ball broke to Cammy Devlin he was charged down by Kelechi Iheanacho.
With one pass from Callum McGregor to Callum Osmand the title race was over. The former Fulham striker ran 70 yards forward to walk the ball into the net. At 3-1 Celtic fans could finally relax and celebrate.
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— Celtic Curio (@Celticcurio) May 16, 2026
With some fans on the pitch and just seconds left to play Don Robertson decided to end the match.
There are claims that it was with the agreement of the Hearts management.
THE DOOMED JOURNEY BACK TO TYNECASTLE
The Hearts players were straight off down the tunnel.
They barely stopped in their dressing room before heading straight out the main entrance and onto the team bus.
Driving back to Tynecastle must have been an anguished journey.
There will be no open top bus parade through Edinburgh tomorrow.
Hundreds of fans gathered outside of Tynecastle for the return of the beaten players.
It will be a long painful summer for Derek McInnes and his players.
A Champions League second round qualifier in July must seem a lifetime away.
Incredible end or not, I cannot believe our fans have, yet again, gifted the media with enough to ignore the victory and change the narrative to Hearts players assaulted.
If that has in fact happened then those responsible should never see inside of Paradise ever again.
Seen all the highs and lows over 65 yrs and never ever felt the need to invade the pitch.
Exactly right, no need to enter the field of play at all.
If muppets can’t stay in the stands we’ll end up with the 8 foot perimeter fences back…..
Not one bit of proof any of sevco’s doppelganger klubs players got assaulted next the media in Scotland will be telling us Celtic supporters are eating other fans cats&dogs American style,all FAKE NEWS.
Disgusted of Gorgie says boo hoo it’s no fair so it isnae.
It’s an injuuuuustice!
Calimero Mc Innes.
He blew it just like Keegan did all those years ago when Fergie got inside his head after Newcastle looked all over title winners.
The fuse he blew on Wednesday night was the reason for that defeat today,the penalty decision wasted him,mentally and physically,he was done,the fact he used the word DISGUSTING regarding the penalty was his DOWNFALL.