Heart of Midlothian Football Club has issued a strongly worded statement criticising what it describes as 'irresponsible comments' made by interim Celtic manager Martin O'Neill regarding the pitch invasion at Celtic Park last Saturday.
O'Neill, speaking on talkSPORT, dismissed allegations that Hearts players were attacked during the chaos, branding claims that the scenes were an embarrassment to Scottish football as 'nonsense'. The Tynecastle club has now indirectly responded, calling on the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) to address the matter.
In their statement, Hearts expressed concern that a 'troubling precedent' had been set, whereby a pitch invasion could effectively determine the duration of a match. The club has written to both the SFA and SPFL, seeking clarification on the premature end of the game and urging that such invasions 'must never be condoned under any circumstances'.
The statement comes hours after club investor Tony Bloom claimed players were assaulted during the incident. Hearts reiterated their full support for Police Scotland's enquiries and thanked their fans for their backing throughout the season.
