Celtic confirmed champions as Hearts relegated after SPFL make decision to end season

Celtic have been confirmed as Scottish champions and Hearts relegated from the Premiership despite each club having eight games unfulfilled in their league schedule because of the Covid-19 football shutdown in Scotland, which began on March 13. The Scottish Professional Football League board convened a video conference on Monday morning to put an end to two months of acrimonious debate and – as exclusively revealed by Telegraph Sport - the reigning champions were awarded their ninth successive title on the basis of the points-per-game average system.

When lockdown was imposed on the Scottish game, Celtic led Rangers by 13 points and with a superior of goal difference of +25, although the Ibrox side had a game in hand, at home to St Johnstone. Rangers argued that if that game was taken into account, as well as two unfulfilled Old Firm derbies, they could have yet restored the title chase to the status of a live issue, however long the odds against that might have been.

Hearts, four points behind Hamilton at the other end of the table, argued with equal vehemence that demotion to the Championship would be grossly unfair in a campaign that had not run its course. When the SPFL board conducted a ballot on its proposal to curtail the season for its three lower divisions – a contentious process because of a delayed vote by Dundee, whose decision to change their preference proved decisive – Rangers and Hearts mounted a sustained attack on the governing body’s process.

That assault culminated in an extraordinary general meeting of all 42 clubs at which Rangers’ call for an independent investigation into the SPFL board’s conduct was defeated by a margin of 2:1. By that stage, even the Ibrox and Tynecastle boards had accepted that the 2019-20 season could not be restarted without prejudice to the 2020-21 timetable – theoretical as that remains – but Hearts had hoped to escape the drop with a late bid to revive league reconstruction.

That, though, was ruled out and their demotion confirmed. The European places were also resolved, with Celtic going into the Champions League qualifiers and Rangers, Motherwell and Aberdeen all going into the Europa League, the latter by default in the absence of a Scottish Cup winner or runner-up.

The SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan said: “Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to officially congratulate Celtic on their achievement of winning the Ladbrokes Premiership this season, and also to sincerely commiserate with Hearts on their relegation.

“We would all have rather seen the league season played out on pitches, in stadiums and in front of supporters. This is not the way anybody involved with Scottish football would have wanted to conclude the league season but, given the grave and unprecedented circumstances that we are facing, the board has agreed that it is the only practical way forward.

“Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on sporting competitions around the world and the repercussions will be felt for a long time. Scottish Government restrictions and deep concerns for both player and spectator safety left the SPFL with no realistic option but to call the Ladbrokes Premiership now and we thank the Premiership clubs for their support on this decision.”

The SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “On Friday, Ladbrokes Premiership clubs expressed their clear and unanimous view that there was no realistic prospect of completing the outstanding fixtures from Season 2019/20. The SPFL board met this morning and in line with the express agreement of member clubs in April, the board determined that League Season 2019/20 and the Ladbrokes Premiership be brought to an end.

“This decision now enables us to pay out around £7 million in fees to help clubs stay afloat during this incredibly difficult time. We will begin processing these payments immediately. The focus of all those involved in the game will now turn to how we get football up and running again safely as soon as possible.

“Next season’s Betfred Cup first round group stage is scheduled to begin in mid-July, with coverage from Premier Sports. The 2020/21 League Season in all four of our Divisions is due to commence on 1 August, which coincides with the start of our new and exclusive five-year broadcasting deal with Sky Sports.

“Nobody should be under any illusion as to how complicated and difficult a challenge it will be to return Scottish football to normality. We will be liaising with Government on the best way forward and working to ensure that all of our 42 clubs are playing football again as soon as humanly possible.”

Neil Lennon, the Celtic manager, saluted his squad and the Hoops support when he said: "I love these players - players who do their talking on the pitch and pride themselves in their professionalism. Led by a captain of the highest quality, these players are relentless in achieving their objectives – and they do it all for you, our great supporters.

“It has been an honour to deliver your ninth successive title win. I could not have done this without John Kennedy and Damien Duff and thank both of them for their support.    

“I returned to Celtic to win. In the tradition of our club I wanted to bring you positive, exciting football, to give you goals, an attacking, dynamic style of play which produced results. As a group we like to think we achieved that already and in this season in particular.  

“We would have loved to play out the season in front of you, it is what we all wanted. We were desperate to continue the blistering form we were in when the season was suspended. However, do not in any way let this detract from our achievement. While many will seek to challenge us, the title is ours and we deserve it. We are indeed champions for a reason.    

“Scottish football, like society in general has gone through a tough time in recent months. We have stayed strong as a club, remaining focused, acting professionally and with thought at all times for others.  Of course, life has become very different and while we congratulate each other as supporters and celebrate our achievement, we can’t help but think of those people who continue to experience difficulty.

“Many of you will have had families directly affected by this crisis, many of you will be key workers, striving on a daily basis to keep us safe and many of you will have experienced challenges around employment and family life.  

“So, as everyone at the club rightly celebrates our achievement, we also pay tribute to you all and remember the difficulties which so many people continue to face.  

“Thank you once again for all your brilliant support. You will forever be part of 9-in-a-row.”