Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has launched a robust defence against accusations made by Hearts shareholder Tony Bloom, who claimed that players were assaulted during a pitch invasion at Parkhead last weekend. O'Neill, speaking ahead of the Scottish Cup final, dismissed the allegations as unproven and criticised Bloom for what he deemed irresponsible comments.
O'Neill Challenges Bloom's Claims
O'Neill responded directly to Bloom's assertion that 'one or two players were assaulted' during the chaotic scenes following Celtic's title-clinching victory. 'First of all, I think I heard Tony Bloom saying that there were two players assaulted,' O'Neill said. 'It's not true — if it is, it hasn't been proven yet. I've watched the pictures back, and I think one of their players actually snaps a phone away from a lad and stamps on it.'
The veteran manager questioned why Bloom would make such claims without concrete evidence. 'For someone to say, without proof at this moment, that the players had been assaulted, I think that's irresponsible,' he added.
Apology and Context
O'Neill also apologised for his own use of the word 'nonsense' during a radio interview earlier this week, which had drawn criticism from Hearts. 'I do apologise for the word in that context but Jim was just irritating me,' he explained, referring to talkSPORT presenter Jim White. O'Neill noted that White had not pressed Bloom as hard during his interview, which he found inconsistent.
'It's interesting Jim didn't pursue this. When someone of that ilk — a senior figure at the football club — says players have been assaulted, the normal question would be to push on that,' O'Neill remarked.
Pitch Invasion Debate
O'Neill defended the right of fans to celebrate on the pitch, arguing that banning pitch invasions would diminish the game's emotional appeal. 'If there's going to be a universal ban on people coming on to the pitch, something would be lost from the game,' he said. He noted that similar invasions have occurred at other clubs, such as Kilmarnock, without the same level of scrutiny.
He also questioned the logic behind Hearts' complaints, asking: 'Because the pitch invasion had taken place? Had the game finished or not? Were we going to go back and play the last 15 seconds if that was the case?'
Personal Harassment
O'Neill revealed that he has been forced to change his phone number after his details were leaked online following Celtic's controversial win at Motherwell. 'I haven't contacted the police yet but I may do,' he said. 'There were only about 250 calls. I've changed my telephone number because it was circulated around. You want to hear some of the comments on those.'
The 74-year-old admitted the ordeal had been disruptive but insisted the job was worth it. 'I've experienced some real highs at this football club, but I've also experienced some real lows as well,' he said. 'Sometimes you have to go through that experience and come back stronger from it.'
Future at Celtic
O'Neill confirmed that he expects to hold talks with major shareholder Dermot Desmond about his future, though he downplayed the likelihood of a long-term extension. 'I wouldn't expect him to say "look, there's a five-year deal". If he does... that takes me up to 93!' he joked.
Despite the recent controversies, O'Neill remains focused on leading Celtic to a domestic double in the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline. 'I do think about it. But it's worth it,' he concluded.
