Celtic score late double to snatch Scottish Premiership title from Hearts

Celtic dramatically clinched the Scottish Premiership title on the final day of the season after scoring two late goals to secure a 3-1 comeback victory over Hearts on Saturday.

 

The win handed Celtic their 14th league title in the last 15 years and denied Hearts a first Scottish crown in 66 years.

 

Heading into the decisive clash at Celtic Park, Celtic needed victory to overtake Hearts at the top of the table.

 

Hearts appeared on course to end the dominance of Celtic and Rangers in Scottish football — a stranglehold that has now stretched to 41 years — after Lawrence Shankland gave the visitors the lead in the 43rd minute with a header from a corner kick.

 

However, Celtic responded before halftime as Arne Engels converted a stoppage-time penalty after Kieran Tierney’s cross struck Alexandros Kyziridis’ hand inside the box.

 

The second half remained tense as Hearts defended resolutely in pursuit of a historic title triumph.

 

But with three minutes remaining, Daizen Maeda bundled home from close range to put Celtic ahead. The goal was initially ruled out for offside before VAR overturned the decision, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.

 

Callum Osmand then sealed the title with the final kick of the match, rolling the ball into an empty net after Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow had pushed forward in search of a late equaliser.

 

Celtic fans flooded onto the pitch at full-time in celebration, while Hearts players and supporters were left devastated after another near-miss in their pursuit of league glory.

 

The result added another painful chapter to Hearts’ history of final-day heartbreaks, having previously lost the title on goal average in 1965 and on goal difference in 1986.

 

Not since Rangers edged Aberdeen to the title 35 years ago had the top two teams in Scotland faced each other on the final day with the championship at stake.

 

The match also followed controversy earlier in the week after Celtic were awarded a late penalty in their victory over Motherwell, a decision Hearts manager Derek McInnes had described as “disgusting.”

 

Despite a spirited performance from Hearts, Celtic eventually found the breakthrough after sustained pressure, with substitute Kelechi Iheanacho helping to increase the attacking intensity.

 

The title triumph further cemented Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football under another dramatic ending to the Premiership season.