FOOTBALL – Celtic scored two late goals to beat Heart of Midlothian 3-1 at home in a nerve-racking final-day title showdown to be crowned Scottish champions for a record 56th time yesterday.
With time running out and Hearts closing in on a first title for 66 years, Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand shattered the visitors who had needed only a draw to finish top.
When Osmand ran through to score into an empty goal with virtually the last kick of stoppage time, pandemonium ensued with delirious Celtic fans streaming on to the pitch.
It was the 14th time in 15 seasons that Celtic have won the title, but none have been as hard-earned as they trailed Hearts in the standings since the start of October but have been revitalised since Martin O’Neill returned as interim manager in January and finished with seven successive victories.
“This is the most special place on Earth,” O’Neill, 74, who has now won four league titles with Celtic, including three in the early 2000s during a five-year reign, said on the pitch.
He also had a word for his opposite number Derek McInnes.
Celtic full back Kieran Tierney described his feeling as unbelievable.
For Celtic skipper Callum McGregor it was his 11th Scottish title and he paid tribute to O’Neill.
It was despair for Hearts who suffered the same fate as 40 years ago when they also lost out on the final day to Celtic after losing to Dundee when they needed just a point.
For the first time since 1991 the Scottish title went to a final day decider between the top two and there was a cauldron-like Parkhead atmosphere.
The visitors controlled the first half and seemed on course for glory when an unmarked Lawrence Shankland headed them in front from a Stephen Kingsley corner in the 43rd minute.
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