No doubting the champions deserved their win, but by refereeing decisions are matches decided and this one had a stinker.
At 3-2 down with little more than 20 minutes remaining, Aberdeen midfielder Jonny Hayes embarked on a superb run down the right flank after an exchange of passes with Peter Pawlett.
The diminutive Irishman’s charge into the penalty area was ended by a crude intervention by Celtic defender Efe Ambrose for what should have been a penalty and probably a red card. Referee Iain Brines saw fit to say no and, with that pivotal decision, went Aberdeen’s chances of a third victory of the season against the Hoops.
Ambrose’s insistence, and that of his manager Neil Lennon, that Hayes had somehow been the villain of the piece was wide of the mark and, although Aberdeen at least have the consolation of a place in next season’s Europa League secured, there should be a frustration at what might have been.
That said, conceding five goals to a team which has been in holiday mode for several weeks since the championship was secured with the minimum of fuss was shoddy.
Celtic have spent more than £12million on new players this season to secure their crown and another crack at the Champions League pot of gold. The Dons have not spent a bean but still have two chances remaining to secure second spot in the Premiership for the first time in 20 years – with Motherwell also still in with a chance of finishing as best of the rest.
Celtic opened the scoring midway through the first half when captain Scott Brown turned sharply in the penalty area after a neat exchange of passes and shot low past Jamie Langfield. Cue coordinated clapping from the home support lacking in motivation, although their irritation increased within four minutes when the Dons had the temerity to equalise through Niall McGinn after Adam Matthews and Ambrose had made a hash of clearing the ball.
The loss of attacker Adam Rooney to injury soon after was a blow. The Irishman was involved in a challenge with Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster after the whistle had blown for offside and is probably done for the season with an injured ankle. His absence will be sorely felt.
Celtic restored their lead before the interval when Matthews made amends for his earlier blunder by crossing from the right for Brown to again provide a crisp, low finish past Langfield. Down, but far from out and former Celtic midfielder Barry Robson was the next to offer hope for the Dons with a powerful low shot which Forster did well to parry.
To have any chance, the Dons needed to be resolute, only for some weak defending to allow Anthony Stokes to prod a loose ball past Langfield for 3-1 early in the second half.
Still the game raced from end to end and Shaleum Logan eased past two defenders before powering in a superb shot from 30 yards which flew into the net for 3-2.
Then came the penalty claim, and referee Brines’s crucial decision. Wrong, wrong, wrong.
Commons made it 4-2 after good work by Anthony Stokes and then capitalised on tired defending to rub salt into the Aberdeen wounds with a fifth goal moments from time – taking his tally to 30 for the season – just moments after Aberdeen midfielder Willo Flood had powered a lot shot against the post.
By then the game was up and gone. Two matches remain for Aberdeen – at Tannadice against Scottish Cup finalists Dundee United tomorrow night and then Motherwell at home on Sunday.
Two chances, two glorious chances to finally finish second, and perhaps more importantly secure a couple more weeks away from pre-season training and a hideously early start to next season.