One of Europe’s least competitive league title races reached its inevitable conclusion when Celtic retained the Scottish crown with a 5-1 victory over Partick Thistle yesterday.

Two goals by Anthony Stokes and one each from Stefan Johansen, Liam Henderson and Kris Commons secured Celtic, European Cup winners in 1967, their 45th top-flight title with seven matches remaining having won 27 and lost one of their 31 games to extend their lead over Aberdeen to 26 points.

Although Celtic were not the first side to wrap up a league title this season, with Olympiakos Piraeus winning in Greece, Salzburg in Austria and Bayern Munich in Germany, there was never any doubt their triumph was going to be a matter of when rather than if.

It would have been a brave punter who bet against The Bhoys securing the championship in the continued absence of Old Firm rivals Rangers, who were relegated to the fourth-tier in 2012 after collapsing under massive debts.

Scottish Premiership
Dundee United vs Inverness 2-1; Partick vs Celtic 1-5.

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