Keith Hackett reveals if Celtic could face points deduction after Hearts incident
The Scottish FA could consider handing out a points deduction after Celtic supporters flooded the pitch against Hearts on Saturday.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that previous punishments have done very little to deter fans in similar situations.
Ugly scenes appeared following the Hoops' Scottish Cup final victory over Rangers in March, with the club being warned of a punishment heading their way, but supporters seemingly let their emotions take over.
Daizen Maeda appeared to score the all-important winner in the 87th minute on 16 May, only for Callum Osmand to add a third, and all hell broke loose at Celtic Park, leaving the Jambos heartbroken.
The Scottish FA urged to take serious action over Celtic pitch invasion
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: "The Scottish FA will have to look seriously at what action they need to take to prevent fans' incursions onto the field of play.
"They should consult with the club in an attempt to prevent fans from getting onto the pitch. This may be achieved by increasing the number of security personnel surrounding the perimeter of the field.
"Or it will be a financial penalty that, to date, appears to have had little impact. I would suggest that, on the horizon, they will be considering two possible options.
"Firstly, a game played with no fans being allowed into the ground. Or secondly, it will be the ultimate sanction of a points deduction. They cannot turn a blind eye to this incursion, where players' and officials' safety are at risk."
Don Robertson left with no choice but to blow final whistle early
There was also the controversy surrounding the full-time whistle itself, with nobody in the stadium actually sure if the referee had blown his whistle, crowning Celtic the champions.
Hackett was just as confused as everyone, but was very supportive of Robertson's decision to end the game.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, he said: "There was certainly confusion after Celtic put the ball into an open goal, vacant of the goalkeeper, who had moved up into his opponent's goal area in search of an equaliser.
"What happened next is that the home fans could not contain their joy and, sadly, ran onto all parts of the stadium. The referee, who had delivered a brilliant performance, I am sure, would have liked to have seen a restart at the halfway line and then blow the final whistle.
"Frankly, he had no chance of being in a position to do that because of the chaos. The Scottish FA will have been present at the game, and they will have to determine what course of action they need to take."