Mike Dean slams referee and VAR after obvious cheating moment against Hearts as Celtic handed Scottish champion in controversial win

Celtic snatch title from Hearts with dramatic late goals in final day shootout

CELTIC 3-1 HEARTS: Derek McInnes and his team were just minutes away from becoming Scottish champions for the first time in more than 60 years before suffering late heartbreak

Heartbroken Hearts were denied a first Scottish title since 1960 in devastating fashion as Celtic struck in the 87th minute before scoring again in stoppage time to snatch the SPL trophy.

The latest, and perhaps most controversial, chapter of an enthralling SPL season was written in midweek when a 99th minute penalty given by VAR kept Celtic in touch with Hearts in the title race, setting up this mouthwatering final day shootout. But that was trumped by Daizen Maeda’s intervention right at the death, even if it was initially given as offside.

Derek McInnes and his team, after defying expectations all season, knew they would have to run the gauntlet inside the Celtic Park cauldron in the early stages. But the assignment was simple: avoid defeat and they would land a first domestic title since 1960.

It was almost the perfect first half for the visitors as they kept Celtic at arms length, frustrating the hostile home crowd. But then the game exploded into life in the final minutes of the 45.

Hearts supporters were given a tantalising taste of what could be to come when captain, Lawrence Shankland, broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute when the striker was found lurking from a corner floated to the back post.

Unfortunately for those in maroon, the champagne was hastily put back on ice after Alexandros Kyziridis was penalised for handball inside the penalty area to gift Celtic a lifeline just six minutes later.

It was Arne Engels who took said lifeline, though his penalty only just squeezed underneath the despairing dive of Alexander Schwolow. Engels’ spot-kick may have been a sobering moment but the assignment hadn’t changed for Hearts, who were still in the driving seat to cap a fairytale campaign with the title.

Mike Dean Slams VAR and Referee Over ‘Obvious Cheating’ in Celtic’s Title-Clinching Win

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has launched a scathing attack on VAR and the match officials following Celtic’s dramatic 3-1 victory over Hearts at Celtic Park, which secured the Scottish Premiership title on a tense final day.

The controversy erupted when Celtic were awarded a crucial goal despite what appeared to be a clear offside position. Replays showed the player well beyond the last defender, yet VAR intervened to overrule the assistant referee’s flag, allowing the goal to stand and swing the momentum decisively in Celtic’s favour.

Speaking post-match, Dean did not hold back: “It’s blatant. That’s not a marginal call — it’s cheating. The linesman got it right initially, and VAR has no business flipping something this obvious. Shame on the referee and the whole system for robbing the game of integrity.”

The decision sparked fury among Hearts fans and neutrals, with many accusing officials of tilting the title race. Celtic fought back from behind to claim the three points and the championship, but the VAR drama overshadowed the occasion.

Dean added that such errors highlight why trust in VAR remains at rock bottom. As celebrations erupted in Glasgow, the debate over technology in football rages on.

Celtic grew frantic after the break as they searched in vain for the goal that would flip the two teams in the table. Engels went close with a late free-kick. Kelechi Iheanacho, a half-time substitute, went closer still with a shot which cracked back off the post.

The final 10 minutes saw the Hearts goal laid siege upon. Time and time again Celtic went close as the pressure began to build. But just when it seemed as though Schwolow and the Hearts defence would stand firm, Maeda launched a dagger straight into maroon hearts.

And as Hearts desperately chased the equaliser they needed to conjure up one final grand twist, Schwolow went up for a last-gasp corner which resulted in Celtic streaking away and scoring a killer third through Callum Osmand.

Unsavoury scenes followed as jubilant home fans stormed onto the pitch to celebrate, leading to players being taken off the pitch. And after a few moments of confusion, time was called on a frenetic finale.

Hearts were left to grieve after coming to close to ending the Glasgow monopoly, almost the first team outside of Scotland’s most potent footballing city to win the SPL since 1985.

For Celtic and their legendary manager, Martin O’Neill, another league title is in the books. And this one will live long in the memory.