SPFL probe Celtic games as panel disputes penalty
Two Celtic games are among five investigated by the SPFL as the SFA's KMI panel suggests the Scottish champions should not have had a penalty against Motherwell.
Motherwell v Celtic on 13 May is one of four SPFL fixtures being investigated [SNS] Two Celtic games are among five being investigated by the SPFL as the Scottish FA's key match incident panel suggests the Scottish champions should not have had a penalty against Motherwell. Spectators entered the pitch following late goals at Fir Park on 13 May and Celtic Park on 16 May as Celtic won their final two league fixtures of the season to retain the Premiership title. In the former, a handball was given against Sam Nicholson has he leapt with Celtic's Auston Trusty, with referee John Beaton pointing to the spot after a VAR review.
Kelechi Iheancho converted deep into added time to give Celtic a 3-2 win, which kept them within a point of then leaders Hearts. Conduct within grounds is also being reviewed following 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 and there were spectators on the pitch following both games.
Inverness beat Hamilton on the final weekend of regular season League 1 games to clinch the title and promotion to the Championship. "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. SFA 'fully supports' referee Robertson & releases Celtic Park audio Claims Hearts players assaulted 'not proven' - O'Neill Pitch invasions 'a bad look' - but Clarke praises Tartan Army "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 Rules H36 and H37. "In addition to these disciplinary processes, there is a continuing need for all stakeholders to work together to address the challenges of unacceptable conduct at matches, including pitch encroachments and pyrotechnic use. "The SPFL has engaged fully in the Scottish government's consultation on football banning orders and awaits the next steps in that process.