Scottish Premiership: Celtic Strike Late To Win Fifth Consecutive Title

Celtic came from behind in an astonishing finale to beat long-time Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts and deny them a first league title since 1960 – while securing their fifth title in a row after a miraculous season.

The Edinburgh side had led the Premiership since September in their search to become the first non-Old Firm team to win the top flight in four decades – and only needed a draw to be crowned champions.

But Lawrence Shankland’s opener was cancelled out by an Arne Engels penalty before Daizen Maeda prodded home with two minutes of normal time remaining – a goal only awarded after a VAR review overturned the decision to rule it out.

Callum Osmand broke clear to add a stoppage-time third as Celtic surpass Rangers in the number of total titles won with 56.

With the eyes of the world on Celtic Park wondering if Hearts would complete their fairytale season, the hosts prevailed 40 years since they last started the final day in second place and won the title – when they also edged out the Tynecastle club.

In what could be his last league game in charge, interim manager Martin O’Neill has led Celtic to the title for a fourth time – 22 years since his last – having secured a first win of the season over Derek McInnes’ side after two defeats and a draw.

During his time at Aberdeen, McInnes finished as a runner-up to Celtic three years running and has to settle for second place again after his first season at Hearts.