Police forced to protect Hearts stars as Celtic fans invade pitch after title-clinching goal

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Celtic clinched their fifth Scottish Premiership title in a row after a late VAR intervention helped hand Martin O’Neill’s side a 3-1 win over Hearts.With the game poised at 1-1 and just three minutes remaining, Daizen Maeda slotted home from close range only to see his goal initially ruled out for offside.Celtic fans stormed the pitch after the Hoops sealed the Scottish Premiership title in the dying minutes against HeartsStewards were forced to protect Hearts’ players as fans celebrated the title successPolice were quick on the scene to protect Hearts boss Derek McIness and his players following the pitch invasionHowever, video replays showed that the Celtic star was onside and Celtic Park erupted when the referee confirmed the goal had been given.There was more drama to come as Celtic added a third in added time when Callum Osmand slotted home unopposed with Hearts pushing for an equalising goal that would have handed them the title.That prompted fans to rush onto the pitch in jubilation however tensions appeared to rise with police forced to intervene to protect Hearts’ players and manager Derek McInnes as they made their way down the tunnel.Hearts, who have sat top of the table for almost the entire season, needed just a point to win their fifth Scottish Premiership title and their first since 1960.View Tweet: https://t.co/ktrHAF2SSlA cagey first half burst into life when captain Lawrence Shankland headed home unmarked to put the leaders in front.But they were quickly pegged back when Arne Engels kept his cool from the penalty spot in added time at the end of the first half.Celtic showed more intent after the interval as they chased the winner that would have handed them a fifth consecutive title.But Hearts reminded their opponents of why they have the best defensive record in the division with a dogged display.Hearts were in their mouths in the 79th minute when substitute Kelechi Iheanacho struck the base of the post after some neat play on the edge of the box.Minutes later, Benjamin Nygren’s effort was turned over the crossbar by Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow.Lawrence Shankland headed Hearts in front shortly before half timeGettyDaizen Maeda was reduced to tears after netting the title-clinching goalGettyBut the Edinburgh club were unable to keep the reigning champions at bay when Maeda struck from close range to turn the tide in their favour.The Japan international was reduced to tears after his goal was adjudged to have been onside.The title is boss Martin O’Neill’s fourth at the club as the curtain drew on his time at Celtic Park.The 74-year-old saluted the fans at full-time in a season that has brought much turmoil to the Glasgow giants.And O’Neill can sign off in style next weekend if Celtic can overcome second-tier side Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final.Speaking on the pitch prior to the trophy lift, O’Neill said: “I must admit I never, never in my wildest dreams, thought that I could experience those lads up there [points to the team on the podium].Martin O’Neill joined in the trophy celebrations with his playersGetty“The players, the coaching staff, have given me a reason to live. That’s not to say my family haven’t. “This is the most special place on earth. When there is absolute unison in this stadium it is a sight to behold. “Obviously the players have been magnificent, epitomised by the captain, but we couldn’t have won it without you, absolutely not.Celtic captain Callum McGregor paid tribute to his teammates and the club’s supporters during his own stadium address.“Unbelievable.,” he said. “Such a difficult season. So many downs. But the belief in this group is special, I’ve never seen anything like that before. “It was never going to be easy today. We thought we’d string it out one last time. “This is a special football club, with special supporters. You drag us through, time and time again. “I hope everyone enjoys it. It’s been such a hard season, so you make sure that you have fun tonight.”