SPFL Posts 4

22 May 2026 07:39:26
Thought Askou was a winner but he wants Toulouse. 🤦. Shame for Motherwell but glad it's not to them. Hope they get someone who keeps the brand of football. It's been a breath of fresh air and great for Scottish football. They could end up making a fair bit but losing half their team now.

22 May 2026 08:51:13
Kaiser, their last 2 managers have been reasonably successful, so the press are saying they will use same process. Also, recruitment buys the players, so does the manager matter for that, as he just plays the system which suits them. So replacement of the players more important than the manager?

22 May 2026 14:37:55
He allegedly made up his mind to leave Scotland due to the standard of officials.

22 May 2026 15:41:44
Wouldn't surprise me, John, after the last few weeks.

22 May 2026 17:55:44
John, is that right? Wouldn't surprise me at all. It could also deter other managers from coming to Scotland.

22 May 2026 18:07:30
John2575, I would love him to come out & say that in his going away speech. 😉😉

22 May 2026 18:44:57
He might be in for a shock, as French infield and VAR assisted decisions aren't any better in France. And that is with double the cameras in place.

22 May 2026 22:40:23
Apparently knocked that mob back 2 days ago.

21 May 2026 19:01:18
Used to have some respect for Martin O'Neil but after his comments regarding Saturday he certainly went down drastically in my estimations, think he needs to go to Specsavers regarding that he didn't see anything wrong with celebrations on the pitch and no fans berating the Hearts players.


Did I hear correctly on the STV sports section with Raman that the referee doesn't have to blow his whistle to end the game?

21 May 2026 19:56:50
Angus has been bletherin about that all week, sorry he's been enlightening all. 👀😳🤣

21 May 2026 21:05:08
Fork, just do my research 😉. I read that there are various ways for a ref to signal a game has ended other than blowing whilst on pitch, blowing it in the tunnel, escorted back onto pitch, letting both teams know (is that why McInness was reported to have said they didn't want to go back out?) and, surprisingly, making it known on his match report.

However, if the ref says it is over, I think that is it; any other option on that, I don't think I would want to watch football anymore. I just can't see what benefit to the ref there is; yes to Celtic, but not to the ref.

I agree re MoN, but a possible defence is he was on the pitch and wouldn't have had a decent view of any of that.

21 May 2026 21:43:06
Interview with Mon on Sky and was asked if ok for fans to come on to pitch and he said yes it was. Time to make it a criminal offence like down south.
Also huge celebrations by fans of Arsenal and Villa with no sign of trouble.

21 May 2026 21:49:40
Still think something stinks in all this, too convenient for my liking.

21 May 2026 21:56:46
Angus, McInnes wanted to play on.

21 May 2026 22:19:14
Fork, I thought if anything it was a ref finishing 40 seconds early when it was unlikely that the result would change in that time. But, to respond to SoS, I had a look and found the story below.

SoS II hadn't heard McInnes say anything, but had a look before I posted this. Sun running a story today saying the audio has been released to Hearts, with the game being called 7 seconds over the allowed injury time.

Also, audio has someone telling the ref:

"Blow the whistle. Hearts are happy to finish, Don. Derek McInnes has told me he's happy to finish. He wants his players off the pitch."

Audio was heard by various officials plus the Hearts chair Calum Paterson.

Worth looking for the story. So, if this is the case, then I still think action needs taking for the bad fan behaviour but won't be for the way the game ended.

21 May 2026 23:29:06
Angus, if that's the case that the added time was ivwr then I'll accept it.

My problem is there was a minute left of what was put up on the board. Plus any stoppages should be added.

Also, games meant to restart after the goal so whistle can be blown.

Lastly, what else is McInnes meant to say and do? The pitch has been invaded by thousands of fans. How is he supposed to leave a team on that pitch? It's insane to say he wanted players off the pitch so we ended the game.

It would've been the police and officials that said the players had to leave the pitch anyway, as that's the protocol for refs and police if what happened happens.

imo the match ended a minute early cause the game was as good as done but in the rules try at is not allowed to happen.

If that's the case, was a juniors game btw, that would be forfeited and 3-0 awarded to the other team as per SFA rules.

22 May 2026 07:00:33
I'm sure the ref was the first off the pitch, it was like f*** you, Claude, I'm out of here.

22 May 2026 07:35:47
Stevie, I agree with a lot of what is said on here and by you in your post here, but I tend to try to just stick to closer to facts in these things. The truth will come out, but from this recent news the match time was over according to all the available audio that Hearts have now heard.

So, minimum ET was played and the ref is sole arbiter on all matters of fact.

Hence the reason I have never thought the match was abandoned, especially after it was reported they had said it was finished.

Too many wanting a points deduction, imo not for fairness but just so Celtic don't win the title. That is a forlorn hope.

22 May 2026 07:43:04
Hearts players were escorted off the pitch by stewards and police. The 4th official may have interpreted McInnes wanting his players safely off the pitch as "he's happy to finish". Did he actually say that?
As stated previously, it may well be the case it's correct, but the optics of it all for Scottish football and the governing bodies leaves a lot to be desired, something is off in the defence and reposte of all this.

22 May 2026 08:53:53
Fork, I am never arguing against that and think that Celtic and Us need to be hammered for recent pitch invasions. The reasons behind and for them are unimportant. So it will be interesting to see what those are. Point deductions are possible, as it is one of the punishments. Us banished from next season's cup for our transgressions. 🎣

22 May 2026 09:49:19
That'll be 4 times they'll get hammered. 🤫🤫

22 May 2026 10:23:00
Even if Del Sayed said he wanted it finished, it was because of a pitch invasion, something Celtic had done 3x in 5 weeks. The players were not safe, you could see it, but as usual. 🧹 🧹 Cannot wait for 4/5 of our fans to run on the pitch and we get deducted 10 points next season. 😂 I can actually see that coming.

22 May 2026 11:14:14
Who do I know in the North East that can carry out a fatwa? 👀😉🤣🤣

22 May 2026 18:45:55
I can do the first 3 letters of it if that helps. 😂

22 May 2026 19:41:01
Lol teletubby. 😉🤣🔱

20 May 2026 15:00:57
The EFL had the balls to do the right thing with Southampton after spygate. Surely, the footballing hierarchy in Scotland can have a similar amount of integrity/transparency and severely punish them across the City for the disgraceful events on Saturday both on the pitch and in the city afterwards? Will anything ever be done about the standard of refereeing or will it always just be a case of apology, sorry we made a mistake and the cycle continues.

Surely us along with other clubs must take a united stand and see this through to create change.

20 May 2026 18:40:45
After Tony Bloom comments today where he states the whistle didn't blow for full time, surely Hearts will challenge it.
All the excuses under the sun about time left, referee coming back onto pitch etc are just that excuses.

Hearts need to up the ante. Bloom said waiting on SFA or SPFL findings, so perhaps he will raise it further.
There is no video or coverage or even a photo of the referee blowing for full time.

20 May 2026 18:48:48
Waysgb, I am not sure they can do anything about the events outside the ground though. Do you want our title to be stripped for behaviour of our fans in George Square after we won it? What punishment do you want for our fans who invaded the pitch in the cup match as that hasn't been finished yet? Or is there certain defences that can be used to permit or excuse fans from invading the pitch.

Yes, refereeing standards need to improve and the fact that Scotland have no referees at the WC should tell them that. And it needs all clubs to make a stand, as all clubs get poor decisions against them and for them.
So referees dropped for next round of fixtures from all aspects of it might be a place to start.


Also though they need to have courses for pundits to attend so they actually know the rules now as the guff they spout doesn't help.
Also explaining why decisions were reached using the actual parts of the laws of the game; so why the ref reached their interpretation and why the other interpretation was wrong. It might work for some.

For others, I don't think it matters what they do as fans of both OF will both just think there is a conspiracy. Funnily enough every other support thinks there is one for both sides of OF.

There needs to be change, you are right but it needs to be for every club.

20 May 2026 18:57:18
Agree with what you say, Angus, but to a point.
Fundamental rule, though, is game needs to finish by the letter of the law; this did not happen.
Therefore, game was abandoned. Fault is with the referee.

20 May 2026 19:02:33
There is no excuse for the referee not resuming the game or officially abandoning it. He did neither. There is also no excuse for fans invading the pitch and assaulting Hearts players.

The match should at the very least be replayed or be awarded to Hearts 3-0. Added to the ridiculous penalty award against Motherwell before that, and O'Neill's remarks in support of the fans invading the pitch, it makes you wonder if Celtic were ever going to lose the title.

20 May 2026 19:54:52
Bloom gave me the impression he's keeping his powder dry, for now.

20 May 2026 20:09:33
Think so, Fork.
See Hearts response today, think they are waiting. See below.
The SPFL said on Sunday that referee Don Robertson had ended the game after Osmand scored, despite the clock showing at least 40 seconds of the allocated stoppage time was still left to play.
But Hearts added they have written to both the SPFL and Scottish FA to set out their observations and also "expressing our concern that a troubling precedent has been set whereby a pitch invasion can effectively determine the duration of a football match".


Meanwhile, Hearts' shareholder Tony Bloom has claimed some Hearts players were assaulted during the pitch invasion.
Police are investigating whether there was any criminality involved.
"The final whistle hadn't gone, so no supporters should have been on the pitch," Bloom told talkSPORT.
Also, Hearts reacting to O'Neil claim.

20 May 2026 20:19:50
I thought it was calculated, measured and quietly direct without giving anything of their plans away.

20 May 2026 20:53:34
I hope you are right, Fork.

20 May 2026 21:12:12
Agree, Fork. Tony Bloom no fool, they are waiting on SPFL and SFA reports. Think they have taken legal advice and waiting to see what is said. They have a case as we all know so hopefully they will take it further.

20 May 2026 21:21:40
Angus, all pitch invasions need to stop. Those on the pitch on Saturday took it to another level with the verbal and physical abuse of Hearts players. On the refereeing, the debacle around ending the game early needs to be fully investigated (hopefully Tony Bloom will drive that tenaciously), and in terms of wider football fans outwith the OF, the majority of the ones I've spoken to agreed that over the last few weeks in the run in it would appear that Celtic got a lot of calls given in their favour.

I don't think that's just me with blue tinted glasses on - it caught the attention across Europe about how bad some of the ref/VAR calls were.

20 May 2026 22:53:48
WAYSGB, I agree 100% re pitch invasions and have never argued that teams shouldn't be punished for them and fans if they are able to be identified under their wee bonnets they use to hide their identity. However, that punishment needs to be for all clubs, so what would you think it should be for our recent invasion in the cup?

Fed up saying this, but ref says the game was over, but I do agree it needs to be investigated as to how and why. I don't see that changing the destination of the title. I also think a lot of this is our fans being hopeful it can do that, as we weren't able to. Why else are we so worried about Hearts all of a sudden?

Our referees are poor, and that is without question.

The fact that UEFA, after 3 years of watching refs in European competition, have deemed no Scottish referees have the quality to be at the WC says it all; and that is without the conspiracy excuse; they are just poor.

Re decisions, I agree that some look poor, but most times there is a subjective view in the laws which agree with decision. I don't always agree, but can sometimes see why the decision was reached. Just look up how the referee can signal a game is ended and you will see what I mean.

20 May 2026 23:05:32
Angus, @ why are we so worried about Hearts? It's not Hearts we're worried about, it's the way every team has been dealt with these last few seasons to the benefit of one club.

20 May 2026 23:48:11
Angus, Totally agree it should be same rules/punishment for all clubs. Not sure what the exact punishment should be, but it should be severe enough to stop the eejits. 🤔.

I know referee decisions aren't always right, and you would hope they all balance out over the course of a season, but I really don't see it, and the fact that it's being called out by folks who played at a slightly higher level than me (😜) says it all.

21 May 2026 07:52:00
Waysgb, I agree and some of the decisions have been dreadful. The fans need to be dealt with and the standard of refereeing needs to improve. I just don't buy the conspiracy that goes about. There have been 30% more (I think) wrong decisions made by VAR in EPL this season. That isn't a result of any bias towards clubs but just poor quality of officiating.

The same is happening across Europe as well. So is VAR making the quality worse rather than better.

Celtic win leagues as they are the better team recently, not because of the conspiracy. And, if we start winning, their fans will think the conspiracy is with us when we get decisions (which we do anyway). The way of life in the OF.

21 May 2026 12:45:01
Back to winning ways - I like the sound of that. I've got everything crossed for a good summer of activity.

21 May 2026 12:47:55
Martin O'Neil is classless

21 May 2026 16:41:44
Can't stand him, Laudrup.

21 May 2026 17:01:09
Yes guys, totally agree that something harsh needs to be implemented, in order to halt these mass pitch invasions, - threats of stand closures for example, applying to all clubs in the SPFL.

Too many of these so-called fans are out their heads on drink and drugs and not only supposedly invading the pitch in celebration, but showing their entitlement and antagonism to the opposition, be that players, staff or fans, which has the potential to cause harm to whomsoever they think may deserve it.



Such invasions are legitimised by idiotic comments by managers such as Postecoglou's comments on their pitch invasion at Ross County, such as "just over-exuberance etc".

21 May 2026 18:40:37
Agree, Jim, 100%. I would also like to see our club, though, publicly criticising our fans when we do it. We need to be the bigger 'man' when it comes to this. Rather than just saying they are worse. MoN currently is going down in my estimations by trying to curry favour with fans. Think he must be after staying.

21 May 2026 19:35:50
The SPFL and SFA report is not available yet from the compliance officer. Hearts can't comment further until this is produced.
The other lot are coming out with all sorts about whistle being blown, downplaying the assaults on Hearts players, police and stewards confronted, etc.

MoN has changed his story that many times, he is in danger of making more U turns than Keir Stammer. No blame, no criticism, nothing to see, absolute scandal from the governing bodies, but what else do we expect.

21 May 2026 21:29:34
So, by same logic, surely the authorities can't comment yet either. 🤷

22 May 2026 15:18:51
Yes Angus, that's a valid point you make regarding the club criticising our fans when they step out of line. Who knows how far they could implement things to deter these detrimental actions.

I'm sure all reasonable fans would agree that, as you say, it can only be the right way to go forward.



Any respect I may have had for MoN has completely gone. Given his disgraceful comments. In my opinion, he has brought the game into disrepute and should, in all fairness, be charged with that offence.

There's as much chance of that happening, as me winning the Lottery (and I don't buy a ticket).

22 May 2026 18:49:09
Jim, I agree. Clubs need to criticise when their fans misbehave and not allow officials or managers to even speak outside the official channels. My only defence of MoN is he was on the pitch at the time and couldn't see what happened, probably from there.

But that is what he should have said. Media will stir it anyway as that sells copy and he is old enough to know better. Is he hoping for the gig and trying to get fans onside? If so, then that is even worse.

22 May 2026 21:22:16
Have to agree regarding pitch invasions, it should have been dealt with at the cup final when Rangers players were attacked/abused by Hibs fans. The SFA have allowed this to continue for years and do nothing about it. Player safety should be paramount.

23 May 2026 08:53:09
Angus, mate, MoN did actually say (to begin with) "that he was on the pitch at the time, trying to get the fans to get back into their stand and couldn't see what happened," which, at the time, was fair enough, as you could actually see him (futilely) trying to do this.



However, his subsequent, disgraceful utterings over the course of this past week are shameful, to put it mildly.

23 May 2026 09:50:52
Jim, I think that on the pitch you get a different view and perspective to what is happening; you see only the first line or so of fans. So he may not have seen fans abusing Hearts players. This isn't to excuse him but to try and understand why he may be saying what he is.

Personally, I think when he asked, he should just say he will wait for the investigation to be finished and let that speak. I think it is difficult in these circumstances to say the right thing universally.

We think he is wrong if he defends his club, but they hate him if he doesn't. Not sure we would be any different; in fact, see our club's comments on the cup fan invasion, and there isn't really any criticism there.

So, yes, I do agree he is wrong and would be better shutting up, but I always like to try and see why someone does something. It isn't a good look for him and I wonder if he is after the manager's job and feels this gets the fans onside.

19 May 2026 13:08:22
After having had a look on youtube to see what happenned after Celtic's 3rd goal, a few things occurred to me.

It was blatantly obvious that those Celtic "fans" who occupy the North Curve stand (where, surprise, surprise the Green Brigade are ensconsed ) were the vast majority who invaded the pitch with 3 very serious intentions.

a) Ensure that the game was over.

b) Assault and abuse the Hearts players on the pitch.

c) Very bravely (ha, ha) run towards the massed ranks of the opposition fans (the whole 730+ plus of them), in order to taunt them mercilessly - what a show of sportmanship eh?

19 May 2026 15:35:18
Jim, so you were able to see the read the minds of and see the intent of a whole section of fans through YouTube. Well done, and I might need some tutoring as I struggle to work out when my wife is going to be upset with me most of the time.

19 May 2026 16:24:49
Usually the day of the wedding. 🙄🤣

19 May 2026 16:31:31
Angus, trying to work out our good ladies Impossible.

19 May 2026 16:56:35
I just try to do what I am told. That actually works for the 50% of the time I am listening and paying attention.

19 May 2026 17:46:15
Angus, well done - and so you should be!

19 May 2026 17:46:44
Angus, I'd love to hear the conversation you have with the wife when you're playing devil's advocate. I think we all know how that goes down. 😂😂

19 May 2026 17:55:58
Jim 217, everybody watching knew their intentions, and I mean everybody.

19 May 2026 18:24:55
Angus, when sitting our kitchen-diner awaiting my dinner, my daughter has that "Place in the Sun" programme on.

Talk about ladies being in charge, you better believe it, but, it's actually a good laugh, if you do as I do, because I'm on my laptop, facing the other way, and can't help but overhear the inane chat that comes out.



Potential couple buyers (lady), apart from constantly giggling, like a 20 year-old, "Oh my God, look at the size of that!"

Question - has the presenter unzipped himself and revealed all?

19 May 2026 20:54:53
My guilty pleasure is 4 in a bed (the programme, not a sexual preference). 😅😅

Even my kids slag me as I get right into it!

19 May 2026 21:10:03
Flb, I know the topics to stay well away from, and we have been married long enough that she can see the bait I have thrown and just tells me how it is.

Athole and Jim, I now will see you both in a different light from now on.

I now see a market though for A Place in the Sun for 4 in a Bed. A crossover which gets a bigger audience.

20 May 2026 08:55:28
Angus, I can see you on Naked Attraction. 😂

20 May 2026 09:08:39
Cracker Angus, my good lady passed away 10 years ago, but I can assure you there was only 1 boss in the house, and it wasn't me.

20 May 2026 12:10:17
SoS, I struggle these days to take my clothes off in front of a mirror, never mind a TV camera. Gone is the 6 pack of old, well unless you check the fridge. Probably both are inter-related.



Jim, sorry to hear about the passing of your wife as I know how lost I would be without mine. It is the same as in my house but as far as I know she isn't on here so I can pretend at least.

21 May 2026 06:14:05
I watch a lot of Gordon Ramsay shows, and think, aye, I'll cook something tonight, but the boss doesn't have any of it because she knows one of my biggest peeves is overcooking or something going wrong with my food, and I blow up, so she does most of the cooking, tells me to sit on my arse and calls me an idiot sandwich for some reason?

19 May 2026 11:42:52
I'm hearing there was an almighty row in the tunnel and away dressing room at CP at the weekend. Hearts players fighting amongst each other. Shankland and Braga apparently had a right ding dong at training through the week resulting in Braga being left on the bench on Saturday.
Other names involved were Frankie Kent and Blair Spittal with Spittal having to go to hospital when they got back to Edinburgh.

Apparently, because of the fracas, the players were huckled onto the bus still in their kit.
Source is a tim pal of mine so don't shoot the messenger.
It would be interesting to see if anybody had heard similar?

19 May 2026 12:42:43
McInnes said pre-game that Braga was nursing a groin injury and couldn't start 3 games in a week! Not sure about the rest though.

19 May 2026 12:59:23
Don't know if Derek is saying that to cover it up? At the end of the day, it doesn't affect us, I suppose, unless we had planned to sign Shanks and Braga in the summer!

19 May 2026 14:17:03
Pretty much all of that is untrue.

After what the players and staff experienced on the pitch, and many of the staff experienced in the stadium, we were advised to make as quick an exit as possible whilst the 'celebrations' were ongoing in order to minimise any further trouble. The main concern was the team bus leaving whilst the Celtic fans were leaving the ground.



Hence why some of the players were still in their full kit and boots when they boarded the team bus.

If you actually consider the original post - if the Hearts players were fighting amongst themselves, what possible logic would there be for rushing them out to a team bus, an even smaller environment that would make controlling the situation much more difficult?

19 May 2026 15:37:31
2 + 2 = 5. 😂

19 May 2026 15:40:35
Thanks EHL, I thought it was a load of crap myself, but just put it out there to see if anybody had heard anything. 👍

19 May 2026 15:53:39
Very droll, Angus. 🤪

19 May 2026 16:12:00
Seeker, no offence meant, but I imagine, like everything in football, the end result normally has people filling in the gaps beforehand to make sense. So, for your Celtic supporting friend, is it better that the reason Hearts left was because of internal strife, or because they feared for their safety? Getting the story out of internal strife makes their support look slightly better, as the fleeing was happening anyway.

👍

19 May 2026 16:40:25
EHL, that was good of the Ref to blow early so you could miss the traffic.

19 May 2026 16:57:35
SoS, but the ref never blew his whistle, remember. 😉

19 May 2026 17:05:31
Correct, Angus.

19 May 2026 17:37:44
Angus. 👍

18 May 2026 15:07:32
EHL or any know if Hearts are going to try and take action over Celtic invasion? Mark Donaldson on talksport saying things going on that couldn't discuss at the moment so wondered if anyone heard anything?

18 May 2026 16:05:30
Who marks Donaldson?

18 May 2026 16:13:54
Kaiser, I think it would all be fruitless if it is meant to alter the result of this game. Referee says the game had finished, and as the only arbiter, his decision is final. He doesn't need to blow a whistle, just say it is done. I think it is all hope on Rangers fans' part that the authorities will do what we never managed, sadly, over 38 games to do. I do feel sorry for Hearts, but at 3-1 they were never getting 2 goals in a minute. So suspect the punishment will be for the invasion and not for what it did to the end of the game.

I think there needs to now be focus on what punishment is right in future for fan invasions of any sort and what triggers cause each level to happen.

Atm, I understand that fines and partial closure of stands are the most common club punishment. Although they can deduct points, it has never happened up till now, so doubt it will happen this time.

I prefer to look forward to next season than expect anything to happen here other than a fine and slap on the wrist. Btw, I would expect it to be the same if it had been our fans who had caused the same thing. Poor SFA with badly written rules.

18 May 2026 16:46:50
I don't think that is accurate, Angus.

Celtic fans interrupted a game in progress.

In doing so, Hearts players were assaulted and were escorted from the field of play under police protection.

In addition to there still being time to play per 4th official, the referee can only extend time, not reduce it.

If the players could not return to the pitch to finish the game due to the thuggery and unruliness of Celtic fans, as Martin O'Neil stated, he thought was to happen, then the game was abandoned, not concluded.

Now, do I think the SPFL/SFA give a s*** about that, no I don't. I expect them to batten down the hatches and support Celtic at every turn.



However, I would expect Hearts to follow process of lodging appeal with SPFL, and when that is rejected, follow on to CAS, which is their only hope of a non-biased evaluation of events leading to game abandonment.

If they find that is the case, one would expect the result to be overturned and Hearts awarded a 3-0 win.

I'm sure all legal routes have been examined over the weekend and we will find out soon what happens next, if anything. Tony Bloom does not appear to be a mug, so if there is a likelihood this can be addressed and remedied, he will surely follow it through.

18 May 2026 16:53:01
And, Angus, Hearts never getting 2 goals in a minute?

Says who?

Remember Man United v Bayern Munich? 2 goals in 90 seconds.

Remember Scotland v Denmark? Goals scored in 90th and 92nd minutes.

Many more examples.

At the weekend, Rochdale played York. York needed a point to win promotion, Rochdale needed a win. Rochdale scored in the 95th minute and their fans flooded onto the park to celebrate what they thought was their win.

The referee didn't call time.

Instead, he waited 6 minutes until order was restored and restarted the game. When he did, York went up the park and scored. They won promotion.

No one gets to say it doesn't matter, we didn't play the full allocated time because we think you lot wouldn't have scored anyway. The referee must play the full amount of time indicated by 4th official. He can increase it, but he cannot reduce it.

Rules are rules, and I want Celtic held to that standard come what may.

18 May 2026 17:23:01
Have no idea.

I suspect there's a lot going on behind closed doors.

18 May 2026 17:23:26
StevieG, Mark Donaldson is just an ESPN reporter and Hearts fan so wouldn't have paid much attention but then they all said we can't talk about it because something is going on so wondered what. Doubt anything will happen though and will be brushed under the carpet like all the other trouble caused.

18 May 2026 18:20:32
I thought, silly me, the game had to restart, with a kick off after a goal. The referee cannot just say F*** it, I'm not going out there, the game's over!
Doesn't matter what Saint Martin thinks.

18 May 2026 18:26:11
Angus, the laws of the game weren't adhered to as the game didn't restart after they scored.

18 May 2026 19:34:51
Marco, since you have started the historical matches, what about Man City and United in 74 with City 1-0 up. Fans invaded the pitch in the 85+ minute. Ref called end to game and result stood. Brazil vs Sweden when Clive Thomas blew whistle as ball was played into box from corner. Probably many more examples if I actually chose to look.

But in this case even more clearly referee said game was finished. He doesn't need to blow the whistle on the pitch; the game doesn't need to restart and he is sole arbiter of when a match finishes.

You mention a few matches when teams have scored in games but over a period of time in excess of a minute.

And how many matches where teams have needed goals in a minute have resulted in two goals being scored? Not looking for a number just a percentage would do. Just be prepared to type a lot of zeros after the decimal point.

I reckon there will be action against fans and Celtic for the poor behaviour of their fans but I don't suspect points will be deducted for this. Not because of conspiracy but because the referee had ended the game.

I feel sorry for Hearts but not for us as we never took the chance we had to win it over 38 games. I am just not that desperate for Celtic to lose a league they won. I am looking at next season and how we can win it then.

18 May 2026 20:10:10
Perhaps the rules were different back then, but that doesn't appear to be the case now, as per SFA rules posted or what happened this season in Czechia. Quite clearly, if he blew it, it was early, and as a result of the pitch invasion, not before it.

That, and u can't just decide to end the game early because they probably won't come back, and without any of the players or managers or other officials knowing the game ended.

18 May 2026 20:18:20
Wouldn't that be wonderful if it did go as far as the CAS and they were to tell them to hand the trophy over to Hearts.

Wishful thinking, I know, but just imagine.

18 May 2026 20:44:13
Correct, Kaiser. 👍

18 May 2026 20:50:04
Tony Bloom is a shrewd man - I'm sure he's (or hoping) he's just not going to accept this and will be exploring options and has lawyers on it.

18 May 2026 21:04:39
It's a competition governance issue.

Celtic supporters caused a violent pitch invasion before expiry of the minimum additional time, preventing lawful completion of the match and depriving Hearts of the opportunity to contest the remaining period.



Not a straightforward road to get to CAS. The establishment don't like you taking their dirty laundry somewhere they can't hide it.

Would CAS have jurisdiction?

Many questions. I hope Bloom pursues it with vigour.

18 May 2026 22:10:06
Ref has already said publicly that he blew for full time. Therefore, the match was finished. If he hadn't finished the game, his other choice was abandonment, but it seems he has clearly stated that isn't the case. Just because we don't agree doesn't mean it isn't the case.

Marco, they can't go to CAS as the rules in Scotland say it has to be settled in house.

Any club going to CAS would be punished according to the rules of the league.

Kaiser, I know the rules are different now, but could they possibly be different in the Czech Republic?

Carry on thinking that the result will be affected, but I would be highly surprised if it was. Anyway, no point continually going over the same ground, so I will pass on this.

18 May 2026 22:31:00
Hearts' pathway to CAS would not be straightforward. They would have to argue that the dispute is not merely a refereeing or 'field of play' issue, but instead concerns competition integrity, supporter violence, and the lawful completion of the match.

Framing the matter that way could engage broader FIFA/UEFA regulatory principles and strengthen an argument for CAS jurisdiction.



The more fuss made of this matter, the better, as it will force the authorities to consider an actual and meaningful punishment for Celtic, which they thoroughly deserve.

18 May 2026 22:54:54
I have never heard of a ref ending a game and not making anyone aware before. But yes, I expect it all to be brushed under the carpet with no action against Celtic for the trouble as is always the case. My only thought was when it was said something was happening but couldn't be spoken of at this time. Probably never hear anything anyway.

18 May 2026 23:54:44
Well, if he blew the whistle, it will be audible on his mic as it's constantly recording, is it not?

All they've got to do is line it up and release them. He blew the whistle cause the ball hit the net, that was all. Final whistle is 3 blows, goal is one.

Release them and that's the answer one way or another.

19 May 2026 06:15:20
Does it really matter? Yes, it does, but will make no difference as they will get away with it like they always do. Our governing bodies are hopeless, and the damage limitation was on display within minutes. "the ref blew for time" total bs imo.

19 May 2026 10:56:35
Rugby Park, Fir Park, Ibrox and their own Midden. They've been on the pitch; those in charge have been through more brush heads than Trigger.

19 May 2026 12:30:58
For info,

No, referees in Scotland do not broadcast their in-game audio live to fans or television viewers. While on-field officials and the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) are in constant communication during matches, this audio is kept private as per IFAB protocol.


How The Communication Works Between Officials:
The on-field referee, assistant referees, the fourth official, and the VAR team are constantly linked via an intercom system.

The Referee:
The referee is on an open mic to their assistants, but the VAR can only speak to the referee by pushing a button. This is designed to prevent the on-field official from getting distracted by background conversations in the VAR room.



Transparency in Scottish Football
Although the live feed remains private, the Scottish FA occasionally releases selected VAR audio and communications for major, contentious decisions. These are primarily made available through: The VAR Review: Monthly review programs broadcast on sports networks featuring the Scottish FA's head of referees.

Club Consultations:
The governing body occasionally plays audio directly for club managers and representatives upon request when specific flashpoints occur. Currently, football regulations dictate that fans cannot listen to the raw, unfiltered audio live as it happens - unlike in sports such as rugby.

19 May 2026 14:30:30
Fork, cheers for info, mate.

It still shows, though, mate, that the referee is in constant audio, which is constantly recorded. Or am I getting it wrong here?

19 May 2026 15:00:45
Yes, he does, but it's only released for contentious decisions/VAR issues, but under IFAB rules we're not meant to have access to it.
So, possibly it could be used to confirm the timing of the whistle if he did blow it. 👍

19 May 2026 16:48:02
That's all I'm trying to put across, mate, is that surely it could be used to put an exact time on the whistle being blown if it indeed was and if it was then we all accept it.

19 May 2026 17:05:28
Sorry can't help myself. Stevie, the whistle doesn't need to be blown, though, so not hearing it on tape wouldn't mean the match hadn't finished.

Or alternatively Celtic will be deducted 11 points and Hearts will also be deducted 9 for leaving the stadium early in their kits.

So, good news, we have won the league. 🏆 That is actually the only way it would make a difference to me or the club.

19 May 2026 17:16:08
There lies the poser, to blow or not to blow, as Angus says above, if he didn't blow it, there's nothing to hear.

19 May 2026 17:27:50
But the match is still finished. 🤷

19 May 2026 18:45:58
Calm down, I'm aware. 🙄😉🤣🤣

19 May 2026 19:55:23
Angus, what do I mean the whistle doesn't have to go to end the game? Of course it does, mate.

Can u explain why it doesn't?

17 May 2026 21:41:48
I don't think that there is a more HATED TEAM THAN CELTIC after yesterday, their fans think that they didn't do a thing wrong and it was acceptable to join their team on the pitch to celebrate another trophy win.

17 May 2026 22:46:18
They hadn't won the trophy though, Scrambled.

Their fans interrupted a game in progress.

Then those fans assaulted members of the opposition team.

The players fled the field of play, fearing for their safety.

As a result, the game could not be completed in accordance with the rules of the game.

Martin O'Neil has already confirmed the 4th official told him the game time remaining to be played.

O'Neil expected to return his players to the park once order was restored.

Order was not restored due to fan invasion. There are already very clear rules governing these types of incidents.

Hoping Hearts FC take this all the way to CAS.

17 May 2026 22:49:32
Long shot, I know, but can you imagine what would have happened if we had won over there & scuppered their league chances. Oh boy!

18 May 2026 07:27:27
The game not restarting is a rule breaker.

18 May 2026 07:49:38
The SFA/SPFL ducks are all quacking the same story. Robertson informed the delegate he blew for time. When? They were already on the park. Hearts never left the field. They were escorted by stewards and police for their safety. Total covering of their archives to finish the job they started with Slattery.

18 May 2026 07:54:40
"Archie's instead of archives" didn't want to be rude. 🙄😉

18 May 2026 14:06:56
Hearts not happy with SPFL and SFA response and are escalating it to UEFA and FIFA. Celtic have gained 24 points over the season on last minute goals. Can you imagine at 2 each at Motherwell the Motherwell fans invaded the pitch and the game was stopped, or at any grounds where they have scored a last min goal?

18 May 2026 14:54:50
Aye, but it's ex chairman George Foulkes. It's not officially Hearts.

18 May 2026 16:47:36
If Hearts FC are planning an appeal, Foulkes should stay out of the way imo.