The SFA has publicly backed referee Don Robertson after releasing footage and audio from the dramatic closing moments of Celtic’s title-winning victory over Hearts.
Discussion around the final whistle has continued ever since Callum Osmand’s stoppage-time goal sparked a pitch invasion before play had technically restarted. Former Hearts chairman George Foulkes and club figures questioned whether the match had been ended early.
The SFA has now moved to shut that argument down completely.
In its statement, the governing body confirmed referee Don Robertson took the correct action in ending the game after reviewing the footage alongside Hearts chairman Calum Paterson earlier this week.
The SFA also released the audio from the incident.
That footage appears to confirm Hearts themselves wanted the match brought to an end because of safety concerns once supporters entered the field after Osmand’s goal.
The governing body also clarified confusion surrounding the timing of the final whistle. Questions had been raised because eight minutes of additional time had originally been shown before the celebrations interrupted the restart.
However, the SFA confirmed the match clock had already passed the minimum added period by the time Robertson officially ended the game.
The statement also stressed that referees are not required to use a whistle specifically to signal full-time under IFAB laws.
The SFA outlined its position clearly while confirming support for the officials involved.
Scottish FA Statement | Celtic v Heart of Midlothian
— Scottish FA (@ScottishFA) May 21, 2026
An SFA statement read: “We note the contents of Heart of Midlothian’s statement yesterday and accompanying letter signed by the club Chair, Calum Paterson. In the interests of transparency, we are happy to set out the facts.
Regarding references to a ‘premature ending of the match’, the Scottish FA’s Chief Governance Officer, Gary Booth, the Head of Refereeing, William Collum, and VAR Manager Martin Atkinson reviewed the audio-visual footage of the period in question on Monday at the club’s request, with Mr Paterson in attendance.
It was made clear at that meeting that the match official, Don Robertson, took the correct action in ending the game.
It was also apparent from the audio that this decision was taken following dialogue with the Hearts Head Coach, who had intimated concerns over player safety.
“We fully support the decisive action taken by Don Robertson and his team to end the game.”
The released footage also captured the direct exchange between officials and Hearts staff during the confusion.
One voice can be heard saying: “Hearts are happy to finish, Don. Derek McInnes has told me he’s happy to finish. He wants his players off the pitch.”
Robertson then responds: “Confirming the match is finished.”
