📰 Continuing coverage: Martin O’Neill leads Celtic to Premiership title with 7 straight wins

Celtic fans poured onto the streets of Glasgow’s east end on Sunday night after their team’s 3-1 victory over Hearts confirmed their 11th consecutive Scottish Premiership title. But what started as celebration quickly turned into chaos as riot police moved in to disperse large crowds blocking roads near Celtic Park.

Officers in riot gear fired volleys of tear gas and charged into groups of fans, who refused to leave despite warnings. At least six people were arrested, with police confirming they’d seized bottles and other missiles thrown at officers. The scenes were some of the most serious seen at a Scottish football match in years, with mounted officers also deployed to clear the area.

Hearts’ title hopes dashed in 3-1 defeat

The disorder followed a nervy 3-1 win for Celtic at Tynecastle, where Odsonne Edouard scored twice to kill off Hearts’ faint title challenge. The Hoops dominated early but needed Edouard’s double and a late goal from Ryan Christie to seal the win. Hearts pulled one back through Steven Naismith, but it wasn’t enough to stop Celtic from lifting the trophy.

Fans outside the stadium ignored COVID-19 restrictions banning large gatherings, with hundreds pouring onto the streets in a mix of joy and defiance. Police had warned for weeks they wouldn’t tolerate repeat breaches, and Sunday’s clashes proved their patience had worn thin. A senior officer said: “We made it clear these gatherings were unlawful. The use of force was necessary to protect lives and property.”

Celtic’s celebrations marred by disorder

While Celtic’s players celebrated inside the dressing room, outside the mood soured fast. Videos on social media showed groups of fans smashing bins and throwing objects at officers, who responded with shields and baton strikes. One fan was filmed using a fire extinguisher against riot police, while another was dragged away after clashing with officers.

The Scottish Football Association and Police Scotland both condemned the violence, stressing that legitimate celebrations could have continued without breaking the law. Celtic FC released a statement urging fans to stay safe, adding: “We ask supporters to respect the law and the communities they represent.”

What happens next?

Police have launched an investigation into the disorder, with footage from body cameras and public cameras being examined. They’ve also warned that further arrests are likely as they piece together exactly what happened. The Scottish Government is expected to review football policing ahead of next season, following repeated clashes at major matches.

For Celtic, the focus now shifts to their Europa League campaign, where they’ll face tougher European opponents in the coming weeks. But the club will also face questions about how to better manage their fans’ celebrations after tonight’s events.

What You Need to Know

  • Source: BBC Sport
  • Published: May 16, 2026 at 22:00 UTC
  • Category: Sports
  • Topics: #bbc · #sports · #football · #riot · #celtic · #premiership

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Curated by GlobalBR News · May 16, 2026

🇧🇷 Resumo em Português

O título do Celtic na Premiership escocesa terminou com cenas de violência nas ruas de Glasgow, onde torcedores comemoraram com fogos e enfrentamentos contra a polícia. Após a vitória por 3 a 1 que garantiu o campeonato, grupos de fanáticos invadiram áreas residenciais, lançando objetos e provocando confrontos que resultaram no uso de gás lacrimogêneo pela Brigada de Choque e várias detenções.

A comoção em torno do título do Celtic, time com forte identificação no Brasil devido à sua história e à grande comunidade de brasileiros de origem escocesa, ganhou contornos ainda mais dramáticos com os distúrbios. Torcedores brasileiros, muitos deles descendentes de escoceses, acompanham de perto as conquistas do time, que tem como símbolo o lema “Alba gu bràth” (Escócia para sempre) e uma camisa listrada verde e branca que lembra a bandeira nacional brasileira. O episódio, transmitido ao vivo por emissoras internacionais, expôs não só a paixão exagerada de alguns, mas também os riscos de um ambiente futebolístico cada vez mais polarizado e descontrolado.

A polícia de Glasgow anunciou investigação sobre os responsáveis pelos tumultos, enquanto o clube emitiu nota condenando a violência, mas a repercussão deve acender debates sobre segurança em dias de comemoração e o papel das torcidas organizadas no esporte moderno.