Celtic FC were crowned Scottish champions for a record 56th time after a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory over Heart of Midlothian FC in a tense final-day showdown at Parkhead on Saturday.
The Glasgow giants looked set to miss out on the title as Hearts edged closer to ending their 60-year wait for league glory, but two late strikes from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand turned the contest around in stunning fashion.
Osmand sealed the victory deep into stoppage time after running through on an empty goal with Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow caught upfield during a desperate final attack. The goal sparked wild celebrations as Celtic supporters flooded the pitch to celebrate another historic triumph.
It marked Celtic’s 14th Scottish league title in the last 15 seasons, although this success proved to be among their toughest. The Hoops had trailed Hearts in the standings since October before a remarkable turnaround following the return of interim manager Martin O'Neill in January.
The experienced coach guided Celtic to seven straight victories to finish the campaign strongly and deliver another trophy to the club.
This is the most special place on Earth, O’Neill said during the post-match celebrations.
Celtic defender Kieran Tierney described the achievement as one of the greatest moments of his career.
This season has been mental. We never give up and this team is the most mentally strong team I’ve ever been involved with, Tierney told Sky Sports.
Club captain Callum McGregor celebrated his 11th Scottish league title and praised O’Neill’s influence during the title race.
He dragged us through time and time again. Everyone wrote us off, McGregor said.
Hearts had entered the final day needing only a draw to secure the championship and looked on course for glory after Lawrence Shankland headed them in front from a Stephen Kingsley corner just before halftime.
However, Celtic equalised in stoppage time of the first half after VAR ruled that Alexandros Kyziridis had handled a cross from Tierney inside the penalty area. Midfielder Arne Engels calmly converted from the spot to level the match.
Celtic dominated the closing stages as pressure mounted inside a packed Parkhead stadium. Maeda thought he had scored the winner moments after Kelechi Iheanacho struck the post, but the goal was initially ruled out for offside before VAR confirmed it would stand.
Hearts pushed everyone forward for a final corner in stoppage time, but the gamble backfired when Celtic launched a counterattack that allowed Osmand to sprint half the length of the pitch before slotting home into an empty net.
The defeat was heartbreaking for Hearts, who had led the Scottish Premiership table for 226 days and were within touching distance of becoming the first club outside of Celtic or Rangers to win the title since Aberdeen FC achieved the feat in 1985.
Questions may also be raised over the controversial late penalty Celtic received during Wednesday’s dramatic 3-2 win over Motherwell FC, a result that shifted momentum back in favor of the Glasgow side heading into the decisive final day.
