EX- PGMOL CHIEF KEITH HACKETT STUNS CELTIC FANS WITH BRUTAL VERDICT AFTER HEARTS CLASH AS HE NAMES HIS OWN MOTM “CALLS FOR SFA ACTION OVER PITCH INVASION”

Former Professional Game Match Officials Limited chief Keith Hackett has sparked huge debate across Scottish football after delivering a brutal verdict on the chaotic scenes that followed Celtic F.C.’s dramatic 3-1 title-clinching victory over Heart of Midlothian F.C.  and many supporters are furious over what he had to say.

Celtic secured yet another Scottish Premiership crown in dramatic fashion at Celtic Park after goals from Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand completed a stunning comeback after Lawrence Shankland had initially fired Hearts ahead.

But what should have been remembered as another historic title celebration for Celtic F.C. quickly descended into controversy when thousands of supporters stormed the pitch before full-time after Osmand’s late goal appeared to seal the title.

The chaotic scenes forced match officials and players to flee the pitch, while several reports claimed some Hearts players were verbally abused and physically confronted during the disorder. Heart of Midlothian F.C. later released a furious statement condemning the incident and confirmed they had contacted Police Scotland over claims their players and staff were abused. 

According to reports, Shankland was seen clashing with one supporter while being escorted away by security after footage emerged appearing to show ugly confrontations between players and fans. 

While many expected Hackett to heavily criticise the referee for losing control of such an emotional title decider, the former PGMOL chief stunned many by going in the opposite direction.

Speaking in the middle of the fallout, Hackett praised referee Don Robertson and effectively named him his “man of the match.”

Hackett reportedly said the official handled an incredibly difficult occasion with composure and fairness despite the pressure surrounding the title race.

He insisted Robertson got the major decisions right and praised his calm handling of both teams during an intense 90 minutes.

Then came the statement that sent social media into meltdown.

Hackett reportedly urged the Scottish Football Association to launch a full investigation into the pitch invasion and suggested Celtic supporters involved should face significant punishment, including heavy financial penalties for the club if wrongdoing is proven.

He reportedly argued Scottish football authorities cannot allow dangerous pitch invasions to become normalised and warned that stronger punishments may be needed moving forward.

That verdict immediately divided fans online.

Celtic supporter @HoopsCentral67 wrote on X: “Typical media overreaction. We just won the league in dramatic fashion emotions were always going to explode.”

Another fan, @ParadiseFaithful, posted:“Hackett praising the ref is fair enough, but blaming every Celtic fan is ridiculous.”

@CelticUltra1888 added: “Punish the individuals involved, not the entire club.”

Meanwhile rival supporters were far less sympathetic.

A Rangers F.C. fan account, @IbroxLoyal, posted: “If this happened at Ibrox we’d never hear the end of it.”

A Hearts supporter account, @JamboPride1874, wrote: “Our players were put at risk. Massive sanctions needed.”

Another rival fan account, @ScottishFitbaTalk, posted: “This should have been a celebration instead it became embarrassment for Scottish football.”

Pundits also weighed in, with several calling the post-match scenes unacceptable despite acknowledging Celtic’s incredible comeback win.

Heart of Midlothian F.C. maintained their strong stance by demanding authorities protect players and ensure similar incidents never happen again.

Meanwhile, Martin O’Neill admitted after the game that he initially believed the match was still ongoing and was seen attempting to get supporters off the pitch before the chaos escalated. 

Despite lifting yet another title, Celtic now face an anxious wait to see whether the Scottish Football Association or league authorities decide to take further action.

For now, the football world remains split.

One side sees unforgettable passion.

The other sees total recklessness.

And thanks to Hackett’s brutal verdict, this controversy looks far from over.