Hearts have issued a statement condemning the 'shameful' and 'disgraceful' scenes that marred the conclusion to the Scottish Premiership's title race at Celtic Park. The Edinburgh club has highlighted the 'deeply disturbing' treatment of their players and staff following Celtic's 3-1 victory, which secured their fifth successive title.
Pitch Invasion and Abuse
Callum Osmand's goal for Celtic, the third in a 3-1 win, triggered a mass pitch invasion during which Hearts players were antagonised and confronted. Those who entered the pitch were audibly booed by fans in the stands. The Hearts squad left the pitch before the end of stoppage time, with the game never restarted, and returned to Tynecastle Park under police escort.
Hearts' statement read: 'Heart of Midlothian utterly condemns the shameful scenes at Celtic Park this afternoon which have, once again, embarrassed Scottish football. Reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere, are deeply disturbing. We are investigating this fully and are in dialogue with Police Scotland.'
Club Demands Action
The club emphasised that the safety of their staff was paramount, forcing them to forgo post-match media duties. 'Given the menacing and threatening atmosphere inside the stadium, our entire staff had no alternative but to leave immediately, without undertaking post-match media duties. To our media partners, we apologise but the safety of our staff was our prime focus during these unacceptable scenes.'
Hearts called for the strongest possible action from football authorities to protect the integrity of the game. 'We expect the strongest action possible to be taken by the footballing authorities in the interests of protecting the safety of players and supporters, and the integrity of our game.'
Reactions and Aftermath
The statement came nearly five hours after the match, with Celtic and the Scottish Professional Football League yet to comment. Celtic captain Callum McGregor downplayed the pitch invasion, while manager Martin O'Neill said he was unaware of Hearts players being targeted. 'I don’t know at the end of the day but if some Hearts players have been accosted then it’s just not right at all,' O'Neill said. 'I thought the game wasn’t over so I was trying to push some of our fans off the pitch.'
Back in Edinburgh, Hearts players received a rousing reception from supporters after coming close to their first title since 1960. The club praised their manager Derek McInnes, staff, and fans, stating: 'This season has seen Hearts capture the imagination of football fans, not only in Scotland, but the world over. We pay tribute to Derek McInnes, his staff, the first team and the supporters, who have done the club proud this season. None of them deserved the disgraceful scenes that unfolded.'
