Martin O’Neill responds sharply when questioned about claims of a Hearts accusation while also admitting there was confusion at the final whistle in Celtic’s win

Fans poured onto the pitch following Callum Osmand’s late goal, forcing Hearts players to leave the field amid chaotic scenes at Celtic Park.

The match had already swung dramatically late on, with Daizen Maeda striking three minutes from time to put Celtic in front, before Osmand added a third deep into stoppage time, a goal that triggered a pitch invasion and widespread disruption.

As order broke down, Hearts players were escorted off the pitch, with manager Derek McInnes’ side later seen heading back to Edinburgh still in full kit after what had been a painful end to their title hopes.

In the aftermath, allegations emerged that several Hearts players, including captain Lawrence Shankland, were subjected to assaults during the crowd incursion. The situation has led to suggestions that some supporters could face serious consequences depending on the findings of any investigation. However, Martin O’Neill strongly rejected claims that he witnessed any such incidents, responding sharply when it was suggested he must have seen what happened. He insisted he had no direct view of the scenes, explaining that his focus at the time was still on the match itself and trying to manage Celtic supporters on the pitch as he believed there was still time left to play.

O’Neill said he was operating under the impression that the game had not fully concluded when the chaos unfolded, adding that he had been informed there was still around a minute remaining when Celtic scored. From his perspective, he felt it was highly unlikely Hearts could respond in that short window, but maintained that he did not personally see any of the alleged incidents involving players. He also noted that there was significant confusion around the final whistle, saying he only later clarified the situation with match officials in the tunnel, after speaking to an assistant referee who confirmed the match had ended.

Addressing the allegations directly, O’Neill stated that if any Hearts players had been “accosted” by supporters, then it would be a very serious matter that would need full investigation. He also confirmed that he had not yet spoken with Hearts manager Derek McInnes, suggesting that in such a chaotic and emotionally charged match, both managers would likely have experienced the aftermath differently.

O’Neill further admitted that even he was initially unclear about whether the referee had blown for full time, explaining that he only became certain the game was over after a handshake exchange with McInnes and confirmation from officials. He stressed that he was not dismissing the situation, adding that the events surrounding the pitch invasion and any potential misconduct would ultimately need to be examined properly by the authorities.