Celtic won the Scottish Premiership title on the final day of the season by defeating Hearts 3-1 at Celtic Park on May 23, 2026, overturning Hearts' long-standing league lead [1, 2, 3]. Hearts had led the league all season and only needed a draw to secure their first top-flight title since 1960 [4, 5, 3]. Celtic's victory secured their fifth successive league title and their 56th overall, with the stadium hosting a near-capacity crowd of 60,000 but fewer than 800 Hearts supporters [6, 3, 5].
The decisive goals for Celtic came late in the game, including a stoppage-time winner by Callum Osmand in the 98th minute and a key strike from Daizen Maeda [2, 6, 3]. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill, who returned mid-season from retirement, led the side to win 21 points from 21 since his comeback [7, 8, 9]. At 74 years old, O'Neill expressed uncertainty about remaining manager next season, saying, "If you were asking me today, I genuinely wouldn't have the energy to do it at this moment" [9]. He also defended the recent controversial penalty decision that helped narrow Hearts' lead prior to the final game, stating, "I think it was a penalty... as the rules stand at this minute" [1].
The penalty in question was awarded to Celtic in the 99th minute of a May 20 match against Motherwell, allowing Celtic to win 3-2 and reduce Hearts' league lead to one point [4, 10]. Hearts manager Derek McInnes condemned the call, calling it "disgusting" and suggesting bias against his team, saying, "We're up against everybody... Celtic are more than a touch fortunate to get that penalty" [4, 10].
Following the final whistle on May 23, a pitch invasion by Celtic supporters occurred. Hearts described the scene as "menacing and threatening," criticizing the atmosphere [9]. Celtic apologized for the incident and a police investigation was launched [6, 9]. Celtic captain Callum McGregor said about the title, "For the first time ever, I am speechless... it is only because of what is inside this building that you can go and make special things happen and that is what we have done" [3].
The Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Dunfermline Athletic is scheduled for May 30, with O'Neill uncertain about his future involvement [2, 9].
