Hearts title dream ends at Celtic amid pitch invasion and rapid exit

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·17 May 2026

Hearts title dream ends at Celtic amid pitch invasion and rapid exit

Heart of Midlothian saw a historic title slip away at Celtic, then endured a hostile pitch invasion that marred the finale.

On the final day, Hearts lost 1-3 after conceding twice late, extinguishing hopes of a first crown since 1960. The Telegraph reports that head coach Derek McInnes wanted the squad on the coach within 20 minutes of full time, skipping showers and media duties.

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Celtic supporters surged onto the turf to celebrate and surrounded visiting players, who looked stunned.

Striker Lawrence Shankland was jostled, with some attempting to hit him. Many directed middle-finger gestures at him and team-mates, and security escorted the number nine from the field.

The Edinburgh side had been the season’s surprise package, only to see their chance disappear at the death.

Source: L'Équipe