After eight months of chasing, the defending Celtics’ time to win the competition is running right

Those minutes in Jamboland must be deadly and brutal. His anger must be off the charts. A lot has been done, a lot of history has been made, but not enough.

Usmand scored a breakaway with seconds to go, two teammates running each man down the other end by Maroon. What a moment that must have been for the youngster, an open run at goal, an open target and the sound of 60,000 fans roaring in his ears.

There were still 30 seconds left to play when the raid occurred, but that time was blocked in the chaos. In the release, Celtic fans and eyewitness accounts say things got ugly with a clear view.

The SPFL were told by match officials that the final whistle had blown but it was still a disappointing end to a remarkable season for the home team. A disgraceful way to treat the visitors who have given us so much this season, so many great moments, so many have made it the greatest trophy of a lifetime.

Hearts are naturally disturbed, but there is an understanding that this is the beginning of their story, with the management of Derek McInnes, the data analysis of Jamestown Analytics, the support of the Hearts Foundation, Tony Blue and James Anderson, the executive director of their charity, coming up again and again.

None of it eases their pain in the here and now. That injury will be an open wound until they cross the line in this league. It should also be a matter of great pride. And hope. Bitter season.

Celtic have a lot of work to do, with many important foundations in place for next season. O’Neill eliminated an ecology job that he wouldn’t have needed if the decision-makers above him hadn’t slapped him for so long.

They will evaluate, no doubt, but they will do so from a position of strength. Champions again. And this time, more than ever, ‘just’ was enough.