Hearts have missed out on the chance to win the Scottish Premiership for the first time in 66 years after suffering a 3-1 defeat to holders Celtic.
The Edinburgh side only needed a draw to take the title and end the 40 year dominance of Glasgow clubs but Celtic ultimately triumphed, retaining the trophy for the fifth year in a row.
Despite the Jambos scoring the first goal of the match, Celtic quickly equalised and two late goals – by Daizen Maeda and substitute Callum Osmand – sealed their fate.
Celtic captain Callum McGregor said he was “speechless” at the result, adding: “You can see what this means to everyone, to the group of players.”
“We knew we would get a chance for sure, this is the way this group is, they just keep going and going,” he said.
“What a special, special group of people – magical.”
Former Celtic captain Scott Brown got a huge round of applause as he brought the silverware for the trophy presentation.
Taking the microphone. manager Martin O’Neill, now aged 74, said the players and coaching staff had “given me a reason to live”.
Ecstatic Celtic fans poured onto the pitch as the third goal went into the net, with shattered Hearts players escorted down the tunnel.
BBC Sportscene pundit Allan Preston said some of the Celtic fans appeared to be targeting Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland.
The Hearts players and staff made a hasty exit after the game, with some players still in their match kit on the team bus as they headed back to Edinburgh.
‘Celebrate responsibly’
There was a heavy police presence in Glasgow for the match, with O’Neill, who last won the title in 2004 during his first spell at Celtic, urging fans to celebrate “safely and responsibly”.
“We want all our fans to be safe and ensure that we are mindful of others and our wider community,” he said ahead of the big game.
In recent years some Celtic fans have been involved in anti-social behaviour after gathering in their thousands in the Merchant City and Trongate areas of Glasgow.
As precautionary measures – including the removal of glass from bus stop shelters – were taken on Friday, and the club urged supporters to avoid mass gatherings which have a “high impact” on the city.
Police Scotland said a number of roads in the Trongate area had been closed in anticipation of title celebrations and people were advised to avoid the area.
The Gallowgate is closed between Watson Street and High Street. London Road is closed between Glasgow Cross and James Morrison Street.
High Street and Saltmarket remain open.
