Two Celtic games are among five being investigated by the SPFL. The Scottish FA’s key match incident panel suggests the Premiership champions should not have had a penalty against Motherwell.
Pitch Invasions Trigger SPFL Investigation
Spectators entered the pitch following late goals at Motherwell on 13 May and at home to Hearts on 16 May. Celtic won their final two league fixtures of the season to retain the title.
The SPFL’s disciplinary investigations also include conduct at Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Hamilton Academical in League 1 on 2 May, Hamilton’s League 1 play-off second-leg win against Clyde at Broadwood on 15 May and Stenhousemuir’s Championship play-off second-leg defeat by Alloa Athletic on 16 May.
Hamilton and Stenny both won their ties on aggregate. There were spectators on the pitch following both games, as there was after Inverness beat visitors Hamilton. That game took place on the final weekend of regular season League 1 fixtures, with Inverness clinching the title and promotion to the Championship.
Disputed Penalty Decision in Motherwell Clash
In the Motherwell game on 13 May, a handball was given against Sam Nicholson when he leapt with Celtic’s Auston Trusty. Referee John Beaton pointed to the spot following a VAR review.
Kelechi Iheanacho converted deep into added time to give Celtic a 3-2 win. This kept them within a point of then leaders Hearts.
The KMI panel deemed the decision incorrect by a majority of two to one.
“Two panel members felt VAR was incorrect to intervene and the penalty was incorrectly awarded for handball after [on-field review],” the KMI panel said in their latest update.
“One panel member felt that VAR was correct to intervene and a penalty should have been awarded.”
Allegations of Assault at Celtic vs. Hearts
On the Hearts game, which the hosts won 3-1 to move two points above their visitors on the final weekend of the Premiership season, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill says any allegation that visiting players were assaulted amid the pitch invasion “has not been proved”.
Shareholder Tony Bloom claimed on Wednesday Hearts players were assaulted by Celtic supporters as they ran on the field.
Police Scotland are investigating whether there was any criminality involved, and O’Neill says if proof emerges then “apologies are due”.
SPFL’s Stance on Misconduct
“In recent seasons, there have been a number of incidents at SPFL matches where objects have been thrown at players or members of staff, orchestrated pyrotechnic displays have taken place, and/or mass pitch incursions have occurred,” the SPFL said in a statement.
“In season 2025-26 the SPFL concluded 11 disciplinary processes against eight clubs for such incidents.
“These statistics do not include the final match days of the season and the SPFL can confirm that the [matches being investigated] are being investigated under SPFL R