Scottish football's governing body has confirmed disciplinary proceedings against five SPFL fixtures from the closing weeks of the 2025-26 season, with two of Celtic's final Premiership games sitting at the heart of the investigations alongside a League 1 fixture and a pair of promotion play-off ties.

The Celtic matches under scrutiny

The first of the two Celtic games in question took place at Fir Park on 13 May, where spectators entered the pitch following a dramatic late finish. Kelechi Iheanacho converted a penalty deep into added time to give Celtic a 3-2 victory, a result that kept them within a point of then-leaders Hearts going into the final weekend of the season.

That spot-kick has since been called into question by the Scottish FA's Key Match Incidents panel, which ruled by a majority of two to one that VAR was incorrect to intervene and that the penalty — awarded for a handball against Sam Nicholson after a jump with Celtic's Auston Trusty — should not have been given. It is a significant post-season verdict, though it will not alter the final standings.

The second fixture under investigation is Celtic's home win over Hearts on 16 May, when the Parkhead side won 3-1 to move two points clear at the summit on the final day of the Premiership campaign and seal the title. Spectators again came onto the pitch at full-time. Hearts shareholder Tony Bloom alleged that visiting players were assaulted by Celtic supporters during that incursion, a claim Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has said is unproven. Police Scotland are separately examining whether any criminal conduct occurred.

Lower-league fixtures also under investigation

The three remaining cases involve clubs further down the Scottish football pyramid. Inverness Caledonian Thistle's League 1 home fixture against Hamilton Academical on 2 May is included after supporters came onto the pitch following Inverness's title-clinching win, which also secured their return to the Championship.

Two play-off second-leg ties are also being probed: Hamilton's League 1 play-off win over Clyde at Broadwood on 15 May, and Stenhousemuir's Championship play-off second-leg defeat to Alloa Athletic on 16 May. Both Hamilton and Stenhousemuir progressed on aggregate, and in both cases supporters entered the field of play in the aftermath.

SPFL rules cited and broader context

The proceedings are being brought under SPFL Rules H36 and H37, which place a responsibility on clubs — both home sides under H36 and all clubs under H37 — to maintain good order, prevent unacceptable conduct and take proportionate action against any supporters identified as having behaved improperly.

The SPFL's statement pointed out that 11 disciplinary processes had already been concluded against eight clubs for similar incidents during the 2025-26 season, before accounting for the final match days now under investigation. The governing body cited a pattern of concerns in recent seasons including objects being thrown at players and staff, organised pyrotechnic displays and mass pitch incursions.

The SPFL added that it has engaged with the Scottish Government's consultation on football banning orders and is awaiting the next steps in that process — a mechanism that many inside the game believe could prove a more effective deterrent than club-level fines alone.

It is worth noting that disciplinary investigations at this stage do not amount to findings of guilt. Each club involved will have the opportunity to respond before any sanctions, if any, are determined.

FAQs

Frequently asked

Why are Celtic being investigated by the SPFL?
The SPFL has opened disciplinary proceedings related to two of Celtic's final league matches this season — at Motherwell on 13 May and at home to Hearts on 16 May — after supporters entered the pitch following both games. The investigations are being conducted under SPFL Rules H36 and H37, which cover clubs' responsibilities for crowd conduct.
What did the KMI panel say about the Celtic penalty at Motherwell?
The Scottish FA's Key Match Incidents panel ruled by a majority of two to one that VAR was wrong to intervene and that the penalty awarded against Sam Nicholson for handball should not have been given. One panel member dissented, believing the decision was correct.
What are SPFL Rules H36 and H37?
H36 requires home clubs to take reasonably practicable steps to maintain good order and security at their ground. H37 applies to all clubs and requires them to ensure that players, officials and supporters do not engage in unacceptable conduct, to identify any who do, and to take proportionate disciplinary action against those supporters.