BLACKENED BY OUR OWN: CELTIC’S TITLE TRIUMPH DESERVED BETTER
There is no question Celtic deserved this title. Over the course of the season they have been the best side in Scotland — stronger mentally, better technically and more consistent when it mattered most. That achievement should have been the story. Instead, once again, the conversation has been dragged away from the football and towards the behaviour of a minority who simply refuse to learn.
The pitch invasions at Ibrox, at Motherwell and now again against Hearts have crossed a line. Supporters entering the field of play is not passion — it is recklessness. It puts players, staff, stewards and fellow supporters at risk, and it hands critics of Celtic and its support an open goal every single time.
Many Celtic fans inside the stadium knew it immediately. The boos from the stands at Celtic Park told their own story. Thousands who had waited all season to celebrate a historic title win watched the moment being swallowed up by chaos and stupidity. Around the world, supporters tuning in to see champions crowned instead saw disorder dominate the headlines yet again.
That is the most frustrating part of all. The focus is no longer on the football club’s success. It is on the idiots who invaded the pitch and the ugly scenes that followed in Glasgow afterwards. The actions of a few have managed to tarnish what should have been a proud and emotional day for the many.
And Celtic supporters cannot continue demanding accountability from others while refusing to confront problems within our own support. We cannot criticise rival fans, pundits, managers or governing bodies if we are unwilling to get our own house in order first. Credibility matters. So does honesty.
None of this excuses inflammatory rhetoric from opponents or exaggerated narratives designed to paint Celtic supporters in the worst possible light. There should always be perspective. But perspective also means acknowledging reality: this behaviour is becoming habitual, and if it continues, the consequences for the club and its supporters will become more severe.
There is also a deeper issue developing here — reputation. Celtic have one of the biggest and most passionate fanbases in world football. Across Europe, Celtic supporters are admired for atmosphere, loyalty and identity. But repeated scenes like these risk creating a very different image: one where celebrations become synonymous with disorder and a lack of control.
That should concern every supporter who genuinely loves the club.
The difficult question now is what happens next. Clearly fines and warnings alone are not enough. Celtic, the authorities and supporter groups need to find answers before someone is seriously hurt.
Lifetime bans for those identified? Possibly.
Increased stewarding? Almost certainly.
Greater police presence? Maybe, though nobody wants football occasions overrun by heavy-handed policing.
Whatever the solution is, the current situation cannot continue.
Because this is no longer about isolated moments of excitement. Everyone understands the emotion of late winners and title-clinching drama. Football creates scenes that spill over with joy. But there is a clear difference between emotional celebration and losing all control.
Celtic’s title should have been remembered for the team, the football and the achievement. Instead, the enduring images are of supporters flooding the pitch and disorder in the streets afterwards. That is not something to shrug off or excuse away as “just passion.”
It is damaging the club.
It is damaging the support.
And it is ruining these moments for the vast majority of fans who simply want to celebrate their team properly.
The saddest part is that Celtic’s success is now so often being overshadowed by behaviour that many supporters themselves utterly condemn. That cannot become normal.
If Celtic fans truly pride themselves on being the best support in the world, then the standard has to be higher than this.
