Celtic were crowned Scottish Premiership champions after defeating Hearts 3-1 in a dramatic final-day title decider.
Martin O’Neill’s side knew only a win was the way to overtake Hearts, who had held the lead for 250 days, but two late goals from Daenen Maeda and Callum Osmund helped them turn things around.
Amidst a season of turmoil, fan protests and the departure of a manager, the Parkhead club proved why they have been Scotland’s dominant force for the past decade – their 14th top-flight crown in 15 seasons.
O’Neill, 74, returned to guide the club through a tumultuous period, replacing Celtic with six points adrift at the summit, but finished the season two points behind the Jambos.
With one trophy in hand, O’Neill was 90 minutes away from leading Celtic to a domestic double in the Scottish Cup final against former captain Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline on May 23.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Emotional scenes as Celtic lift the Scottish Premiership trophy after a dramatic final-day clash with Hearts
How did Celtic win another title?
Lawrence Shankland opened the scoring with an unmarked header at the back post as chants of “we won’t be moved” erupted from the away side.
But then, of course, there was drama.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Lawrence Shankland scored Hearts’ first goal.
Kieran Tierney’s cross was stopped by the arm of Alexandros Kyziridis and referee Don Robertson pointed to the penalty spot.
As the incredible title race unfolded once again, Arne Engels stepped up and fired a low shot under a diving Alexander Schworrow.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Arne Engels drew level with Celtic immediately after his team was awarded a penalty for handball
Hearts lost Beni Baningim and Pierre Landry-Kabore to injury as Celtic dominated possession and increased the pressure after half-time.
Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho hit the post and Schwolo made a great save to deny Benjamin Nygren and Maeda.
Then, in the 87th minute, Celtic made a breakthrough.
Maeda pushed in Osmund’s low cross, but the offside flag was raised. However, VAR intervened and reversed the decision, with replays clearly showing Osmund was onside before Maeda received the ball to tee up.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Celtic regained the lead in the 87th minute when VAR confirmed Daenen Maeda was offside.
As Hearts chased an equaliser, Schworo tried to score a set-piece, but his attempt failed, and as fans rushed out of the stands onto the pitch, Osmund slipped through and slotted his third into the empty net.
Celtic are champions again.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
The moment Callum Osmund clinched the title for Celtic against Hearts
the record book has been rewritten
The big question before kick-off was whether Hearts could become the first non-Old Firm club to become champions since 1960. In the end, it was Celtic who broke the record books again.
Rangers have won more league titles since 1930, but the gap has narrowed in recent years, with Celtic leveling the table with 55 last season. They currently lead that race alone with 56.
Since 2000, the Hoops have won 20 league championships and the Rangers have won six, creating a generation-long dominance.
Bragging rights truly belong to Celtic.
VOTE: Who was key for the champions?
Anxiety about form. Dissatisfaction with recruitment. Celtic fans have been worrying all summer and January about the players who have, or have not, passed through the Parkhead gates.
But there were players in the building who could get results. They delivered.
Daen Maeda probably didn’t reach the heights he did last season, but he delivered in a crucial moment on the final day. The winning goal was his seventh in the league in the final month of the season, and he would score similar goals in the remainder of the season. Benjamin Nygren also scored 16 goals and provided five assists in the Premiership.
The returning Kieran Tierney also had doubts due to fitness concerns, but his contribution of 14 goals in total made him a key figure both defensively and forward. Kelechi Iheanacho had his own fitness issues and did not play for four months before moving to Glasgow after the summer period. Eight of his 12 appearances came off the bench, but four of his five goals were late game-winning goals, turning his five points into 15 points.
And then there’s Callum McGregor, the leader. It takes a certain kind of mentality to win titles. He has won 11 titles to date, including five as captain. He may not have been at his best, but he is leading by example.
Yang Hyun-joong also played his part with a contribution of 10 goals, James Forrest became the first player to win the Scottish top flight title 14 times and the list goes on. Vote for your standout player below.
