Celtic vs St Mirren. Scottish Premiership.
Celtic ParkAttendance58,912.
Celtic 3-2 St Mirren: Luis Palma's late strike ensures Hoops Premiership title party a winning one
Match report as Celtic beat St Mirren 3-2 on trophy day; Luis Palma secured the win with a late strike; the Hoops celebrated their third straight Premiership title in front of a sell-out crowd
Monday 20 May 2024 11:13, UK
Luis Palma's late strike saw Celtic secure a win on an emotional Premiership trophy day for retiring goalkeeper Joe Hart.
After wrapping up the league in style at Kilmarnock in midweek, the Hoops were looking for more of the same in their final league game of the season.
But St Mirren, back in Europe for the first time in 37-years, had other ideas as Mark O'Hara slammed home the opener inside the opening 10 minutes.
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Matt O'Riley levelled the game, before O'Hara fired in his second from the penalty spot after Stephen Welsh clattered into Toyosi Olysanya, with Kyogo Furuhashi pulling the Hoops level again before the break.
There was an emotional tribute to Hart in his final Celtic Park appearance as he left the pitch with minutes left to play before Palma really got the party started when he secured the champions victory.
Christmas comes early for Celtic
Santa brought the Premiership trophy out at Parkhead to applause as the Hoops fans made up for booing him in December, when they feared the Premiership title was heading to Rangers.
He was among those soaking up the sunshine as the players emerged to a guard of honour from St Mirren.
And Welsh should have given them the perfect start when he met Palma's corner but instead headed wide.
Instead, St Mirren showed their intent to spoil the party when O'Hara found the bottom corner to fire the visitors ahead after just seven minutes.
The Buddies continued to cause problems but, after striking the bar, O'Riley took advantage of a loose ball and slammed home the equaliser in the 21st minute.
They were trailing again minutes later as O'Hara converted from the penalty spot after Welsh's error, and Keanu Baccus' shot was blocked before O'Hara hit the post as Stephen Robinson's side really looked to dampen the celebrations.
Celtic were screaming for a penalty after Kyogo was brought down by Alex Gogic, but a VAR check showed he was offside.
The Japan striker did pull the champions level before the break, turning home Reo Hatate's cross, with Palma sending a diving header just wide soon after.
Hart, retiring at the end of the season, was close to tears as he emerged for the second half to see a tribute unfurled in his final game at Celtic Park as "Joe, Joe super Joe" rang around the stadium.
Celtic started the second half strongly with Nicolas Kuhn's effort blocked and a Kyogo strike saved by Zach Hemming.
St Mirren weren't letting them have it their own way though and Olysanya came close twice in quick succession, knocking one wide and Nawrocki clearing the other.
Callum McGregor handed Hart the captain's armband as he was replaced before the goalkeeper was given an emotional farewell as he was substituted after Palma wrapped up the win, converting Anthony Ralston's cross at the back post.
Rodgers: I realise what I missed
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers on Sky Sports:
"It's really special. It was a long, hard season - but we got there.
"I really take it in more now, I realise what I missed when I was away. But it's been a brilliant season, you never get it all your own way.
"Taking over from anyone successful is, of course, a challenge - but in my career I've had to have the belief I can always help a team make a difference.
"You can only do it with top players and a great staff. And the supporters have been really with us, especially in these last couple of months."
