Celtic Clinches Title as Fans Clash with Police in Glasgow
Celtic Clinches Title as Fans Clash with Police in Glasgow
Thousands celebrate Celtic's Premiership triumph after a 3-1 win, but riot police and missiles mar the party in Glasgow.
Celtic sealed a fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title with a 3-1 victory over Hearts, clinching the prize at Parkhead as thousands of fans spilled into Glasgow’s streets to celebrate. The win hands Celtic the trophy in a match that had many waiting to see if Hearts could end the Glasgow clubs’ domestic supremacy.
Two quick goals in the final minutes tipped the balance, ensuring Celtic’s triumph and dashing Hearts’ long-held dream of winning the top-flight trophy for 66 years. The late goals sent supporters into raptures and left the park and city center buzzing with green-and-white confetti and chants.
The celebrations turned tense as police moved in to manage the revelry. Bottles and other missiles were hurled at officers as riot police formed lines in the Trongate area. Police said they faced significant hostility as they worked to disperse the crowd and ensure medical help could reach anyone in need.
Images showed riot police with shields, and at least one Celtic supporter with blood streaming from a head wound, underscoring how quickly the mood shifted from jubilation to concern. The match itself ended with a pitch invasion that prevented the game from restarting after the eight minutes of added time. Hearts’ players and staff made a hasty exit from the ground as celebrations continued elsewhere in the city.
Some observers noted that a section of Celtic fans appeared to target Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, highlighting the high emotions surrounding such a landmark title for Celtic. Despite the disruption, the night cemented Celtic’s status as the dominant force in Scottish football and left Glasgow with a city-wide sense of achievement tempered by a reminder of the need for crowd control in big celebrations.
