Hearts-broken as Celtic claim 56th Premiership title in controversial game.

For 250 days this season, Heart of Midlothian were at the summit of Scottish football. Despite a turbulent Celtic season, with three different managers, they remained in contention for a shock title win.

Hearts were left dismayed on Wednesday, 13th May, despite cruising to victory against Falkirk. This was due to a highly controversial VAR call at Fir Park, which saw Celtic earn a stoppage-time penalty, which was calmly dispatched by former Manchester and Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho.

This set up a mouth-watering encounter on the final day at Celtic Park, Celtic vs Hearts.

The Jambos soaked up the early pressure and took a shock lead. The head of Lawrence Shankland met an inswinging cross from Stephen Kingsley at the back post. The pressure was all on Celtic, and with 2 minutes at the end of the first half, it seemed an uphill task for the hosts.

However, in injury time at the end of the half, Celtic had a penalty. Ironically, it was a handball against Alexandros Kyziridis. Arne Engels made it 10 from 10 from the spot, and drew Celtic level right on half-time.

It seemed as though in the second half, Derek McInnes' side were going to be the ones lifting the title. It would have been the first time, since Aberdeen, that a side outside the Old Firm would be champions of Scotland.

However, with 3 minutes of regular time left, Celtic hit the front. Daizen Maeda was set up by Callum Osmand, and The Hoops' Hero found the net. However, the assistant's flag was raised. After a lengthy VAR check, the goal was given. Bedlam in Celtic Park.

After several confrontations between players, many of which were with Lawrence Shankland, Celtic wrapped things up. Alexander Schwolow went up for a late Hearts freekick, but after a rather lacklustre delivery, which hit the first man, Celtic were through. Callum Osmand ran and ran until slotting it into the empty net.

More controversy followed, as many Celtic fans stormed the pitch in jubilation; there was still time left in the game. Hearts players were reportedly verbally and physically abused by Celtic supporters, and they were escorted down the tunnel.

Confusion over whether the remainder of the game would be played was up in the air until people were informed that the game indeed ended. Only moments after the full-time whistle, Hearts players were on the bus in full kit, leaving for Tynecastle.

When quizzed over the end of the game, Martin O'Neill stated:

"I genuinely didn't see the scenes at the end... I thought the game wasn't over, so I'm trying to push some of our fans off the pitch again, to play whatever's left."

"If Hearts players have been accosted by some of our fans, that's pretty serious."

"I was asking the fourth official, or one of the linesmen, in the tunnel, and he said it's over."

Hearts condemned the unsavoury full-time scenes in a club statement.

"Heart of Midlothian utterly condemns the shameful scenes at Celtic Park this afternoon which have, once again, embarrassed Scottish football."

"Reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere, are deeply disturbing."

"Given the menacing and threatening atmosphere inside the stadium, our entire staff had no alternative but to leave immediately, without undertaking post-match media duties."

On what should have been a day celebrating what was a fantastic advert for Scottish Football, unfortunately, it's been overshadowed by these damning reports.

Hearts put in a valiant effort this season and showed what togetherness and belief are all about. As for Celtic, they continue to show why they are a force to be reckoned with, even after such a rollercoaster of a campaign.