Perrie Edwards has given a brilliant outside view on Celtic’s title-day madness, and it is one supporters will enjoy.
The Little Mix star, partner of Celtic midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, was at Celtic Park for the final day of the season as the Hoops clinched the league in dramatic fashion against Hearts.
It was a day of tension, noise, nerves and, eventually, release. Celtic got the job done when it mattered most, completing the first part of a domestic Double under Martin O’Neill after a tumultuous season on and off the park.
Speaking on Heart Radio this week, Edwards was asked about the scenes at Paradise, including the pitch invasion after the full-time whistle.
She said: “I love it. I’m so happy for them [Celtic].
“It was honestly, I’ve never seen chaos like it in my life – in the best way possible.
“Like, the way that everyone runs on the pitch after is quite scary, but epic, isn’t it?
“It’s pretty wild. But it was good.
“It was nice to be a part of it, and my little boy, Axel he’s football obsessed. He’s four and a half.”
Edwards also revealed how much her son enjoyed the occasion, adding: “Axel was just in his element. Like, he loves it.
“And he’s, like, friends with Auston Trusty, and he’s like, ‘He’s my friend. He’s my friend.’ So yeah, it’s such a lovely atmosphere there.”
It is refreshing to hear someone speak about the emotion of the day without instantly reaching for the faux outrage.
Pitch invasions are rightly discouraged, and Celtic themselves made clear after the match that they would cooperate with any investigation. But for the overwhelming majority involved, it was a moment of sheer jubilation after an extraordinary end to the campaign.
Celtic were fair and square winners in the end. The noise around the aftermath should not cloud that.
For Oxlade-Chamberlain, the summer now brings a big decision. The former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder signed a short-term deal in February and helped Celtic to a league and cup Double.
He was not used heavily, but still made 12 appearances, scored two important goals and also netted in the Scottish Cup shootout at Ibrox.
Celtic hold a one-year option on his deal, but there has been no firm indication yet over whether they intend to trigger it.
Given his wages and profile, the call will likely come down to whether the manager, whoever that will be, believes a full pre-season can get real value out of him.
There is clearly quality there. The question is whether Celtic believe the juice is worth the squeeze.
