
Celtic investigation escalates to ‘different level’ as ex-refs chief reacts to new footage
Celtic and Hearts could be at the centre of a “serious” investigation from the Scottish FA following the pitch invasion at Celtic Park.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that supporters must be deterred from entering the field after the emergence of new footage.
After Callum Osmand fired home the Hoops’ third on Saturday, 16 May, tapping into an empty net, fans poured onto the pitch, with the idea of Celtic being handed a points deduction already being mooted.
Celtic beat Hearts 3-1 to lift the Scottish Premiership title for a fifth consecutive season, and while the season has concluded, the fallout from the full-time scenes is unlikely to go anywhere any time soon.
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VISIT THE CELTIC MATCH HUBKeith Hackett urges Scottish FA to investigate Celtic Park scenes
Footage is now going viral on social media of multiple Hearts players being assaulted during the pitch invasion, and Hackett is absolutely furious that such an incident has been allowed to unfold.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “There appears to be clear evidence that Hearts players were attacked by Celtic fans in that end-of-game fracas.
“This really is a very serious matter with regard to that pitch incursion. This puts the matter on a different level, and the Scottish FA must now carry out a thorough investigation.
“They must determine what action must be taken to deter fans from entering the field of play. The safety of players and match officials must be at the forefront of their actions.”
Rival supporters continue to question Celtic vs Hearts incident
Rival supporters, and especially those at Ibrox, are questioning whether the game should at least be replayed after it appeared Don Robertson wanted to restart play following Celtic’s third goal.
However, with the pitch completely covered by a pitch invasion, the Hoops were crowned Scottish Premiership champions for the 56th time. Hearts fans, of course, are furious.
Derek McInnes is likely to be as well, with multiple of his players coming back down the tunnel with injuries. It is obvious that fans were targeting Lawrence Shankland, who was fully wound up by full-time.
It is clear that the Scottish FA have a very difficult situation on its hands. Many want a replay, while others are pressing for a points deduction, but it remains to be seen what action could be taken now.
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