Calls for Club Sanctions Following Pitch Invasion at Celtic Park
Clubs should face point deductions if their supporters invade the pitch, according to Gordon Smith, former chief executive of the Scottish Football Association (SFA). Smith described the pitch invasion at Celtic Park on Saturday, after Celtic narrowly defeated Hearts to claim the Scottish Premiership title, as "horrendous."
A leading fans' representative has also advocated for lifetime bans and stricter legislation to prevent supporters from leaving the stands and entering the playing field.
The conclusion of the title-deciding match was disrupted by a pitch invasion by home fans, prompting the Hearts team to make a swift departure from the stadium.
Police reported that two officers sustained serious injuries amid disturbances in Glasgow city centre, which resulted in 14 arrests.
On Sunday, Celtic issued an apology to Hearts, who had earlier condemned the "menacing and threatening atmosphere" inside the stadium.
Derek McInnes's Hearts had led the league since September and required only a draw to secure their first league title since 1960. However, a 3-1 victory for Celtic, featuring decisive goals in the 87th and 98th minutes, secured Martin O'Neill's team a fifth consecutive championship.
Smith, who served as SFA chief executive from 2007 to 2010, emphasized the need for clubs to take greater responsibility.
"I do feel the best way to do it is that the fans know that by doing it they are getting their club punished. I think that would maybe make a difference in terms of their behaviour."
When asked about appropriate sanctions for clubs, Smith stated:
"I would say if it's a league game they should have points deducted from them or whatever. So that there is a punishment there that is actually a very, very crucial punishment. That means the fans themselves would know that this could have a major effect on our team."
It has been a criminal offence to enter the field of play in England and Wales since 1991.
Stuart Murphy, chief executive of the Scottish Football Union, told Radio Scotland Breakfast that the law in Scotland requires reform.
"The reality is that the law needs to change. In England it is an offence to run onto the pitch. It is only an offence in Scotland if you do something when you run on. I think there was an image on Saturday of a Celtic fan on the pitch with a kid in his arms taunting the Hearts players."
Murphy called for tougher penalties to deter fans from leaving the stands and crossing onto the pitch.
"I think lifetime bans should be happening and I think those identified on the park on Saturday should be brought to task."
First Minister John Swinney described the conduct of some Celtic supporters as "completely unacceptable." However, he did not commit to criminalising pitch invasions at football matches, stating that such measures would be considered alongside a consultation on football banning order reforms, which concluded before the election.
Swinney said the government would engage with clubs and football authorities.
"If there are further legislative steps that we've got to consider to make sure that these issues are addressed, then we will do that."
The First Minister praised Hearts for coordinating with authorities to plan a victory parade on Sunday but noted that similar arrangements were not made by Celtic in Glasgow.
"That was not replicated by Celtic and in Glasgow. So that's got to be explored to determine what more could be done to make those arrangements. What's unacceptable is that the police are left picking up the pieces as the last line of protection for the public and for the infrastructure around about the Trongate."
Following the match, bottles and other objects were thrown at officers as approximately 3,000 Celtic fans gathered in the Trongate area of Glasgow, less than two miles from the stadium.
Police reported that officers attending a medical emergency were attacked with bottles, leading to the deployment of riot police to disperse the crowd.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland expressed his dismay at the violence directed toward officers.
"I was disgusted and frustrated by the violence shown towards officers. Celtic need to step forward to ensure there is no repeat of the disorder next year."
The club has been contacted for comment.
Glasgow City Council stated that most fans celebrated appropriately and complied with requests to avoid the Trongate area.
"However, the behaviour of some people in the aftermath of yesterday's match was, quite frankly, an embarrassment. They let down the city, their club and their fellow fans."
Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney proposed establishing an organised event, such as a fan zone on Glasgow Green, to prevent future disturbances and vandalism in the city centre.
Police Scotland reported 10 arrests in the Trongate area and four arrests at Celtic Park, with additional arrests expected as CCTV footage is reviewed. Four further arrests were made in Edinburgh.
A major incident portal has been created, encouraging the public to submit any footage or photographs from Parkhead or the Trongate area that may assist the investigation.
Following Celtic's record-breaking 56th league title, fans gathered as in previous years. Officers assisting paramedics at a medical emergency were targeted with bottles, prompting riot police intervention.
Sutherland reported that one officer suffered facial injuries and another sustained bruising from being struck by bottles.
"First and foremost, I'm so grateful that only two officers have suffered serious injury."
As a precaution, glass was removed from bus shelters prior to the match, which kicked off at 12:30. By Sunday morning, streets were largely cleared and damaged traffic lights were being repaired.
Police Scotland criticized Celtic for failing to present a plan for safe fan celebrations despite prior discussions.
"Celtic must step forward into this space with the authorities, with the broader partnership and ensure that this isn't happening again next year."
After striker Callum McGregor scored Celtic's third goal, fans entered the pitch, and reports emerged of Hearts players being confronted by rival supporters.
Sutherland confirmed the force is working with Hearts to investigate the incidents and will review CCTV to determine if any assaults occurred.
During the disruption, thousands of Celtic fans jeered the pitch invaders as stadium announcements urged them to return to their seats. The match, nearing the end of eight minutes of added time, did not resume after the invasion.
Some Hearts players, including captain Lawrence Shankland, returned to Edinburgh still in full kit.
Hearts issued a statement noting that their entire staff had to leave immediately without conducting post-match media duties due to the chaotic conclusion.
"The pitch invasion caused a chaotic end and nobody seemed to know whether or not the match had been brought to a finish."
Later on Sunday, Celtic FC expressed regret that supporters entered the field after the victory and pledged full cooperation with any investigations. The statement did not address Police Scotland's concerns regarding disorder in the city centre.
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) condemned the pitch invasion but noted that before awarding the trophy, the referee had confirmed the match had concluded and was not abandoned.
The SPFL stated it would review reports from the referee and match delegate before deciding on any disciplinary action.
