Celtic learn SPFL sanctions for pitch invasion against Hearts as Motherwell scenes also subject to punishment

Celtic have been issued with a £7,500 fine and suspended reduction of 1,000 seats for the scenes that took place in their league finale victory over Hearts.

As Callum Osmand ran from his own half to the empty net to secure the title for the Hoops last month, thousands of supporters ran onto the Celtic Park pitch, some of whom accosted and goaded Hearts players as they left the field of play. As per the SPFL ruling, if any further invasions were to take place before 30 June 2028, 1,000 Parkhead seats would kept empty for a subsequent home game.

A further fine of £2,500 has been issued to the Hoops for their penultimate match of the season against Motherwell, when a section of supporters ran onto the field after Kelechi Iheanacho converted a match-winning penalty in the dying minutes. For this fixture, the club have also been sanctioned for the use of pyrotechnics. Any future incidents of this could lead to away allocation cuts.

Hoops hit with sanctions for final day pitch invasion

SPFL statement read: “The Scottish Professional Football League has today announced the outcomes of disciplinary action taken against several clubs in relation to unacceptable conduct by fans. Proceedings into instances of pitch incursions and widescale orchestrated pyrotechnic use in SPFL matches at the end of the season have now concluded.The SPFL has imposed the following sanctions under SPFL Rules H36 and H37:”

For Celtic vs Hearts (16/05/26): “A reduction in capacity of 1,000 seats (to be taken from the front rows of the home sections of Celtic Park) for one SPFL match, suspended until 30 June 2028, to be triggered by a significant pitch incursion by home fans at a future home SPFL match. Fine of £7,500.”

Further sanctions for Motherwell scenes

For Motherwell vs Celtic (13/05/26): “Reduction of 100 tickets from the club’s allocation in one away SPFL match (such tickets to be paid for by Celtic to the home club at the full adult price), suspended until 30 June 2027, to be triggered by either (a) the orchestrated or excessively dangerous use of pyrotechnics by away fans or (b) a significant pitch incursion by away fans, in each case at a future away SPFL match Fine of £2,500 At least five Celtic supporters shall be referred to the SPFL Trust’s recognised pyrotechnic awareness course”

Motherwell were also sanctioned during the same game for pitch incursions and pyrotechnic use. Elsewhere, in Scottish League One, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Hamilton Academical and Stenhousemuir were also punished for pitch incursions. The Cally Jags and Stenny could also see their home allocation cut if similar incidents occur in the next three years.

The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly