Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland was allegedly assaulted by Celtic supporters during a chaotic pitch invasion that marred the Scottish Premiership title decider.
The fallout from the final-day fixture continues to grow after new footage emerged of turbulent scenes following the final whistle at Celtic Park.
The Glasgow club secured the league title in dramatic fashion, knocking the visitors off the summit of the table for the first time in 250 days.
Title decider descends into chaos
The Scottish international striker had initially given his side the lead in the 43rd minute.
A controversial Arne Engels equaliser and a Daizen Maeda strike subsequently put the hosts ahead.
Callum Osmand sealed the victory in the 98th minute, prompting thousands of home supporters to breach the perimeter and enter the field of play.
The visiting squad were immediately forced from the pitch to protect their own safety.
Condemnation from football authorities
Footage circulating on social media appears to show the 28-year-old forward being targeted and physically confronted by individuals within the crowd.
Other backroom staff and squad members were reportedly goaded during the mayhem.
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has already spoken out regarding the incident, while the Scottish FA face mounting pressure to launch a full investigation.
Any confirmation of an attack on an opposing player could result in severe disciplinary consequences for the newly crowned champions.
Pundits react to shameful scenes
Television pundits James McFadden and Chris Sutton addressed the alarming situation during their immediate post-match broadcast.
McFadden stressed the importance of player safety, while noting that the vast majority of the home crowd actively booed the pitch invaders.
Sutton offered a more provocative assessment of the afternoon’s events.
The fans that invaded the pitch were lucky they didn’t get a thump or two.
Chris Sutton
The authorities must now determine the appropriate course of action following a deeply controversial end to the domestic season.
Swedish pole vault star Mondo Duplantis and Jamaican sprinter Shericka Jackson secured impressive victories as the Diamond League season commenced in Shanghai.
Duplantis misses out on world record
The Olympic champion triumphed in the pole vault after comfortably clearing 6.12m on the opening night of the athletics calendar.
His closest rival was Kurtis Marschall, who exited the competition after managing a height of 5.80m.
Having secured the event win, the 24-year-old attempted to vault 6.32m to break his own world record, but clipped the bar in his first two attempts before falling well short on his third.
“The attempt at the world record was okay, I wish I could improve the run-up, the approach, speed and energy and then it will be good.”
Leotlela edges men’s 100m thriller
In the men’s 100m, South African sprinter Gift Leotlela claimed his maiden Diamond League victory with a rapid time of 9.97 seconds.
The 28-year-old surged late to win a dramatic photo finish against Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala and American Olympic medallist Kenny Bednarek.
“I had a decent start, not great. I just tried to keep my composure, stay in my rhythm and stay strong.”
Jackson and Kipyegon shine on the track
Reigning world champion Shericka Jackson dominated the women’s 200m sprint, comfortably beating two-time Olympic 400m gold medallist Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
American star Sha’Carri Richardson missed out on a podium spot in fourth, while Great Britain’s Amy Hunt finished down in fifth position.
Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon demonstrated her enduring class by winning her first outdoor 5000m race of the year in a world-leading time of 14 minutes and 24.14 seconds.
“I feel so good, it was a good race. A positive season opener.”
Russell sets world-leading hurdles pace
American Olympic champion Masai Russell delivered a statement performance in the women’s 100m hurdles, crossing the line in 12.25 seconds to set the fastest time in the world this year.
Elsewhere, Jamal Britt caused an upset by defeating fellow American and world champion Cordell Tinch in the men’s 110m hurdles.
Ireland’s Mark English emerged victorious from a crowded pack to win the men’s 800m, while the Netherlands’ Jessica Schilder threw an impressive 21.09m to win the women’s shot put.
Emma Raducanu will make her return to competitive tennis against Diane Parry at the Internationaux de Strasbourg on Monday following a two-month absence with a post-viral illness.
The 23-year-old has not featured on the WTA Tour since her appearance at Indian Wells in early March.
Victory in her opening match against the Frenchwoman could set up a blockbuster second-round clash with former Australian Open champion Madison Keys.
This WTA 500 event serves as a crucial final opportunity to gain match fitness on clay before the French Open begins on 24 May.
Lingering effects of viral illness
The former US Open winner admitted she is still struggling to regain full energy after an extended period on the sidelines.
“Post-viral, it’s quite hard. You feel drained. You feel tired. No energy.”
“It’s difficult, and it lingered for quite a while. Right now, I wouldn’t say I’m 100 percent.”
She added that she is still building her way back and finding it challenging to maintain her stamina over extended periods.
Richardson reunion backed by Henman
The British number one will be accompanied in France by Andrew Richardson, having reappointed the coach who guided her to stunning success in New York five years ago.
She faced significant criticism for parting ways with him shortly after her 2021 triumph, initially citing a desire for a mentor with more tour-level experience.
“Grateful to have reconnected with someone who has known me for over a decade now and looking forward to building together one iteration at a time.”
Former Wimbledon semi-finalist Tim Henman has publicly supported the reunion ahead of a demanding summer schedule.
“I think it’s great that Andrew is back to support Emma and all I can say is I hope it lasts a bit longer.”
Competitive field assembles in France
The Strasbourg draw features a strong contingent of international talent alongside the returning British star.
Players competing for the clay-court title include Leylah Fernandez, Ekaterina Alexandrova, and rising American teenager Iva Jovic.
Celtic have secured the Scottish Premiership title after winning seven consecutive matches under manager Martin O’Neill to overhaul Hearts at the top of the table.
The Glasgow club completed a remarkable turnaround following a bleak 2-0 defeat to Dundee United in March.
That loss had left them trailing Hearts by five points and placed them two points behind fierce rivals Rangers.
However, their veteran manager remained defiant and demanded a flawless finish to the campaign.
Following the defeat at Tannadice, the former Leicester City boss acknowledged the difficulty of his monumental task.
“We disappointed an awful lot of people today. It’s been difficult since I’ve set foot in the place. This is a blow but we’re not finished yet.”
A relentless title charge
The Northern Irishman asked his squad for seven consecutive victories on the run-in, and they delivered exactly that.
Securing 21 points from a possible 21, the Hoops hunted down a consistent Hearts side to claim the championship.
This doggedness was notably absent during the preceding tenures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy.
Despite walking into a chaotic environment, the returning boss won 19 of his 23 league fixtures.
Underlying concerns remain
While they are worthy champions who triumphed on spirit rather than pure class, deep analysis is required by the club’s board.
The Scottish giants won the league with 82 points, representing a significant drop from previous seasons and 17 fewer than three years ago.
Their attacking output has also plummeted, with the 73 goals scored representing their lowest league tally in 19 years.
This decline highlights a failure to adequately replace star striker Kyogo Furuhashi, who departed over a year ago.
Defensive fragility exposed
Although Japanese forward Daizen Maeda found crucial form late in the campaign, defensive vulnerabilities persisted across the pitch.
The champions conceded 41 league goals this term, marking their highest total allowed in 33 years.
The hierarchy at Celtic Park must now confront these stark statistics rather than simply masking a season of discontent with silverware.
Mohamed Salah has challenged Liverpool to rediscover their feared “heavy metal” attacking identity following a painful 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa that jeopardises their Champions League qualification.
The Egyptian forward released a stark statement on social media after another difficult night for the club under manager Arne Slot.
Saturday’s loss at Villa Park leaves the Merseyside outfit’s European aspirations hanging by a thread as the 2025-26 season draws to a close.
The prolific winger is already set to depart Anfield this summer, ending a glittering era that saw him become one of the greatest goalscorers in Premier League history.
Demand for a return to former glory
Reflecting on his journey, the 33-year-old emphasised that he always gave everything to help the team reach the pinnacle of European football.
“I have witnessed this club go from doubters to believers, and from believers to champions.”
However, the former Roma star expressed deep frustration with the current state of affairs.
“Us crumbling to yet another defeat this season was very painful and not what our fans deserve.”
Channelling the Jurgen Klopp era
The veteran attacker explicitly referenced the intense tactical style made famous by former boss Jurgen Klopp.
“I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies.”
He insisted that this aggressive footballing philosophy must remain a non-negotiable standard for anyone joining the historic institution.
“Winning some games here and there is not what Liverpool should be about. All teams win games.”
Securing European football
Despite his impending exit, the Anfield icon reiterated his deep affection for the club and his family’s enduring connection to the city.
The immediate priority now is salvaging the remainder of the campaign and ensuring a top-four finish in the Premier League.
“As I’ve always said, qualifying to next season’s Champions League is the bare minimum and I will do everything I can to make that happen.”
Sam Kerr equalled the all-time Chelsea goalscoring record on her final appearance for the club to secure a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
The Australian international netted her 116th goal for the Blues to draw level with former team-mate Fran Kirby.
Her decisive strike ensured Sonia Bompastor’s side claimed all three points in a tightly contested Women’s Super League fixture.
The departure of the talismanic striker marks the end of a glittering era for the west London club.
A fitting farewell at Stamford Bridge
Fans rose to their feet to acknowledge the immense contribution of the prolific forward as she bowed out in typical match-winning fashion.
Securing a narrow victory against a resilient Red Devils outfit demonstrated the ruthless edge that has defined her storied career in England.
Bompastor will now face the unenviable task of replacing a player who has consistently dominated the domestic game.
Cementing a remarkable legacy
Joining the esteemed company of Kirby at the pinnacle of the club’s scoring charts highlights her relentless consistency.
The former Chicago Red Stars attacker has been instrumental in establishing Chelsea as the pre-eminent force in the women’s game.
Her parting gift ensures the reigning champions maintain their formidable momentum under their newly appointed French coach.
Manchester City could receive a verdict regarding their 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules by the end of the current season.
Financial expert Stefan Borson anticipates that the outcome of the lengthy independent tribunal will be announced in June.
The defending English champions face severe sporting and financial penalties if found guilty of the charges, which cover a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018.
Potential for unprecedented sanctions
Punishments for the alleged breaches could range from substantial fines and transfer embargoes to points deductions or even expulsion from the English top flight.
The club could also risk being stripped of multiple league titles secured during that highly successful era.
Tribunal proceedings concluded in December following a rigorous 12-week hearing, leaving the football world waiting for the independent commission’s final report.
The Etihad Stadium hierarchy strongly deny any wrongdoing and maintain they possess a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence to clear their name.
An end in sight for the tribunal
Borson indicated that the drafting of the final decision appears to be nearing its conclusion after a significant wait.
“My best guess and the kind of feeling in the parties is that it will come at the end of the season.”
“June would be most likely, that’s the feeling. There’s no justification now from a kind of how long it takes to write this up.”
“This is now ridiculous territory, 18 months to write up a decision in a private arbitration is clearly ridiculous. There’s been little things that I’ve heard that would signify that we are coming to the end of the process of writing it up.”
Guardiola maintains focus on the pitch
While the complex legal process plays out behind the scenes, manager Pep Guardiola remains entirely focused on securing further domestic silverware.
The Sky Blues are currently embroiled in a tense battle with Arsenal to secure another historic league crown.
Guardiola’s squad must navigate crucial remaining domestic fixtures to fend off the relentless challenge from the North London club.
Daizen Maeda scored a dramatic late goal to give Celtic a crucial lead against Hearts after a tense VAR review overturned an initial offside decision.
The Japan international found the back of the net in the dying moments of a closely contested Scottish Premiership encounter.
Celebrations were initially cut short when the assistant referee raised his flag to rule out the strike.
However, the video assistant referee swiftly intervened to scrutinise the attacking build-up play.
VAR provides late drama
Following an anxious delay, technology confirmed the Celtic attacker was being played onside by the opposition defence.
The overturned decision sparked wild celebrations among the travelling support as the Glasgow giants snatched a vital advantage.
It represents a crushing blow for the Edinburgh outfit, who had defended resolutely throughout the fixture.
Crucial momentum in the title race
Late interventions of this nature often prove decisive in the relentless pursuit of the Scottish top-flight crown.
The reigning champions once again demonstrated their characteristic determination to grind out results as the clock ticked down.
This dramatic conclusion firmly underscores the continuing and often polarizing impact of VAR technology on the modern game.