As the sun bathed Celtic Park in golden hues, the atmosphere was a blend of relief, joy, and sheer celebration. This was no ordinary match day; it was trophy day in Paradise, the crescendo to a season filled with highs, lows, and a final triumphant ascent. The Bhoys had already secured the league title midweek with a commanding 5-0 victory over Kilmarnock, rendering the day’s match a mere formality. But what a day it was, a festival of football and fandom, a reminder of why Celtic remains the heart of Scottish football.

From the outset, the air was electric. Gone were the nerves and tension of the previous weeks. Instead, there was a palpable sense of release as fans let their hair down. The chants echoed louder, the songs sung with more fervor. Glasgow’s east end was alive with the buzz of tens of thousands of jubilant supporters who knew they were part of something special. The game itself, a thrilling 3-2 win, played second fiddle to the occasion. It was a day for the history books, marked by Celtic’s dominance, which has become almost routine yet never loses its magic.

This season, the narrative was often skewed by those of a Rangers persuasion. When Celtic hit a rough patch and allowed Rangers to close the gap, the media narrative shifted dramatically. Headlines screamed of an impending power shift, of a Rangers team poised to dethrone the champions. It was as if the journalists were reading from the script of a classic underdog movie, where Celtic was cast as the overconfident antagonist and Rangers the plucky hero.

Take, for instance, the way Celtic’s resilience was portrayed—or rather, ignored. When the Bhoys had a rocky spell, it was painted as a full-blown crisis. Meanwhile, Rangers’ similar struggles were spun as mere bumps on the road to inevitable glory. It was like watching a weatherman predict a sunny day in Glasgow; you knew it was biased, but you almost had to admire the optimism.

Yet, despite the noise, Celtic held their nerve. Manager Brendan Rodgers used these negative headlines as fuel, turning doubt into determination. As he revealed post-match, the skepticism from journalists and pundits had galvanised the team, forging a resolve that carried them through to the end. Weeks before the title was won, many in my own Celtic circle admitted this title would feel even sweeter than some that had gone before because of the narrative set in the media.

The celebrations were a spectacle. Players basked in the adulation, with the retiring Joe Hart leading the Green Brigade in a rousing rendition of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” through a megaphone. However, the surreal highlight came with the appearance of Santa Claus, a nod to a running joke that began when he was booed at half-time during a December match against Hearts. This time, Santa brought not gifts, but the ultimate prize: the SPFL trophy. As Christmas music filled the stadium, fans roared in approval, a quirky and memorable moment that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the day.

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It’s worth noting the broader context of this victory. Celtic’s resilience was on full display as they weathered injuries to key players throughout the season; like Carter-Vickers, Reo Hatate, and captain Callum McGregor. Brendan Rodgers was working with one hand tied behind his back at times. Poor recruitment in the summer and injuries put Celtic and the Irishman i na tough spot, but they were always in control of their own destiny.

Yet, amid the celebration, there was a poignant reflection on the bias in media coverage. Brendan Rodgers was snubbed for the Football Writers’ Manager of the Year shortlist, while Rangers’ Philippe Clement was inexplicably included. It was like awarding a top 4 chef title to the guy who just burnt toast while ignoring the one who cooked a three-course meal. Similarly, Lawrence Shankland of Hearts was named Player of the Year over Celtic’s Matt O’Riley, whose 30 goal contributions and stellar performances were overlooked. These slights only added to the sense of vindication felt by the Celtic faithful as they celebrated their triumph.

As the final whistle blew and the title raised the fans spilled out into the Glasgow streets, the celebrations continued. This was a season that had tested Celtic’s mettle, but in the end, they emerged victorious. It may not have been a vintage season, but as the old cliché goes, it’s not how you start; it’s how you finish. And finish Celtic did, with a flourish that will be remembered for years to come.

As the fans resurrected the old Aiden McGeady quote from the 07/08 season, “Three in a row, Rangers, sorry,” it was clear: this is Celtic’s era, and they have no intention of stepping down from the throne.