Hearts chairman seeks clearer Scottish football decisions after title-race finale

Hearts chairman Calum Paterson has called for greater openness and consistency in Scottish football’s decision-making after revisiting the club’s final-day title disappointment. According to BBC Sport, Paterson raised concerns about the scheduling of the decisive fixture and events after the match in an interview with club media marking his first year as chairman.

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Hearts had led the Premiership for 250 days but ultimately finished two points behind Celtic, missing out on what would have been their first league title in 66 years. Lawrence Shankland put the Edinburgh club ahead in the final match in Glasgow. Celtic went on to win 3-1, scoring twice late in the game, before celebrating supporters entered the pitch. Hearts made a hurried departure and expressed concerns about safety.

Paterson questioned why Hearts, as league leaders when the competition split, were required to play their final fixture away. He also criticised the circumstances at the conclusion of the match. The chairman said the club had sought advice and communicated its concerns to the football authorities, arguing that the standards and procedures governing major decisions needed improvement, especially at decisive stages of a season.

The SPFL had explained its scheduling in April, BBC Sport reported. Celtic were due three home fixtures after the split, while Hearts were due two. City derbies cannot be staged on the final day because of public-safety considerations. Those restrictions meant the league could not arrange for both Glasgow clubs, or both Edinburgh clubs, to play at home on the final two fixture dates.

Despite his frustration with the ending, Paterson praised the players and staff for their achievements. Hearts had come close to breaking four decades of Old Firm dominance. He said their work deserved recognition, while expressing disappointment that their efforts had not produced a better outcome in the title race.

Paterson also acknowledged supporters’ frustration with Hearts’ communication after the finale, saying the club should have been clearer. He maintained that Hearts had done everything possible to represent their interests and had not forgotten the events of last season. He said the focus now was on strengthening the club for the current campaign and beyond, alongside improving communication with fans.