Celtic confirmed as Scottish champions and Hearts relegated from Premiership | Football

Celtic have been crowned Premiership champions for a ninth successive time and Hearts have been relegated after top-flight clubs reached a unanimous decision that the season could not be concluded.

The Scottish Professional Football League announced the widely anticipated decision after a meeting with all clubs on Monday, with places determined on a points-per-game average.

The SPFL chairman, Murdoch MacLennan, said in a statement: “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.”

The season was halted on March 13 because of coronavirus, with Celtic 13 points clear of second-placed Rangers, having played a game more. Hearts were four points adrift of second-bottom Hamilton.

MacLennan added: “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.”