Hearts suffer Scottish championship agony as Celtic claim Scottish Premiership title after VAR and pitch invasion drama

Hearts missed out on their fairytale finish and historic Scottish Premiership title after suffering an agonising defeat to Celtic on the final day of the season.

Derek McInnes' side only needed to avoid a loss at Celtic Park to win the league - and break the Old Firm's 41-year grip on the trophy.

But the game finished in chaos - with VAR drama and a pitch invasion that led to the devastated Hearts players having to be escorted down the tunnel to safety.

The club said in a statement: "Heart of Midlothian utterly condemns the shameful scenes at Celtic Park this afternoon which have, once again, embarrassed Scottish football."

Celtic's 3-1 win means the club has secured its fifth successive title. The team have also booked themselves a spot in the Champions League play-off.

They will additionally go on to compete for more silverware against Dunfermline in next weekend's Scottish Cup final.

One consolation for Hearts - for being runners-up, the Jambos have earned a spot in the Champions League second qualifying round.

'Wow, what a season'

Celtic captain Callum McGregor told Sky Sports he was "speechless".

He said: "You can see what this means to everyone, to the group of players.

"Wow, what a season. [We were] down and out, everyone wrote us off.

"It is only because of what is inside this building that you can go and make special things happen and that is what we have done."

The captain added: "We knew we would get a chance for sure, this is the way this group is, they just keep going and going.

"What a special, special group of people - magical."

Hearts started the game strong

The last time Hearts were crowned premiership champions was 1960.

The Edinburgh club started the match with a one-point advantage at the top.

Had the Jambos claimed the title, it would have been the first time since 1985 that a team other than Rangers or Celtic had won Scottish football's top division.

Back then, it was the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson who helped deliver the silverware for Aberdeen.

Hearts started the game strong and were the first to go ahead with captain Lawrence Shankland's header from Stephen Kingsley's corner.

The hosts equalised in first-half stoppage time when Kieran Tierney's cross from the left struck the hand of Alexandros Kyziridis - with Arne Engels stepping up to slot the penalty beyond goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow.

As tension grew in the second half, a late goal by Daizen Maeda was initially flagged for offside but was then awarded following an intervention from VAR.

During stoppage time, substitute Callum Osmand took advantage as Hearts threw bodies forward and tapped the ball home into an empty net - sparking the wild scenes that led to the game having to be stopped.

'This is the most special place on earth'

It has been a remarkable season for Celtic gaffer Martin O'Neill.

The 74-year-old, who first managed the Hoops between 2000 and 2005, was brought back as interim boss in October 2025 following the departure of Brendan Rodgers.

When Wilfried Nancy was sacked in January, O'Neill was once again handed the reins.

He spent the final stretch of the season playing catch-up to Hearts and dragged Celtic back into the title race.

Following his team's win, he said: "Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I could experience those lads up there [lifting the trophy].

"The players, the coaching staff have given me a reason to live.

"This is the most special place on earth. When there is absolute unison in this stadium, it is a sight to behold."

Hearts drew blood from the Old Firm

Hearts made a hasty exit from Celtic Park following their defeat.

Although the fans will be hurting tonight, their team drew blood from the Old Firm and were on the cusp of rewriting Scottish football history.

If you thought the 2025/26 title race was thrilling, the 2026/27 competition has the potential to be a heartstopper.

Matt Cronin, 30, a lifelong Hearts supporter from Edinburgh, said: "To lose it the way we did, it's frustrating, but nothing can take away from what's been an incredible season."

Fellow supporter John Connolly, 56, is also looking forward to next season.

He said: "The result is the result - but revenge is sweet. Sorry Celtic fans, but we'll be back."

The celebrations have begun

Meanwhile, the festivities have begun across Glasgow.

Police Scotland has closed a number of roads in the Trongate area of the city and is urging people to avoid the area where possible if not taking part in the celebrations.

The force said: "We have a comprehensive policing plan in place which is focused on ensuring public safety and minimising disruption to the public.

"Anyone planning to visit Glasgow city centre today should be aware it will be much busier than normal, with increased use of public transport.

"Please plan your travel in advance and thank you for your patience."

(c) Sky News 2026: Hearts suffer Scottish championship agony as Celtic claim Scottish Premiership title after VA