The Scottish Football Association says referee Don Robertson took the correct action in bringing the Premiership title-decider between Celtic and Hearts to a close after home fans invaded the pitch at Parkhead.
Hearts had gone into the final day one point clear, but a late Callum Osmand goal made it 3-1 and prompted a number of supporters to run onto the turf. Debate followed over the timing of the final whistle, and Hearts wrote to the SFA and SPFL expressing concern about what they called a ‘premature end’ and a ‘troubling precedent’.
The SFA has released full audio of the closing stages and published a chronology of events after meeting with Hearts chair Calum Paterson. It says the decision to end the match was taken following review of the audio-visual footage by SFA Chief Governance Officer Gary Booth, Head of Refereeing William Collum and VAR manager Martin Atkinson, and that the match official clearly communicated that the game had been ended rather than abandoned.
The SFA statement notes the Laws of the Game require the referee to signal the end of the match but do not prescribe the method of that signal. In the footage the match clock reads 53.07 (98.07) when the official confirms the game is over — beyond the minimum additional time of eight minutes that had been signalled. The association says the decision was also made after discussion with Hearts head coach Derek McInnes, who raised concerns about player safety; audio reportedly records McInnes as ‘happy to finish’. The SFA cited Law 5 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, that ‘the decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final’, and said it fully supports Robertson and his team.
Hearts players left the stadium immediately still in their kits, the club saying the atmosphere inside was ‘menacing and threatening’. Celtic apologised to Hearts for the incidents and confirmed they will cooperate with any investigation. Police are probing reports of assaults during the disorder, and several people were arrested.
Separately, Sky Sports News understands the SPFL plans to discuss criminalising pitch invasions — as in England and Wales — and making tailgating an offence with the Scottish Government. First Minister John Swinney said any move would be considered alongside a consultation on reforming football banning orders. He condemned those who threw missiles at police during celebratory disorder in Glasgow, urged action to prevent a repeat, and committed the government to engaging with clubs, football authorities and local councils on possible legislative or other steps.