Hearts slams pitch invasion after loss at Celtic
Hearts has slammed the pitch invasion by Celtic fans that ruined the end of the Scottish Premiership title decider between the two teams at Celtic Park in Glasgow.
The home side won 3-1 to clinch the title on the final day of the season, after Hearts had led for much of the campaign.
But the final moments of the match were marred by a large number of supporters charging the field after Callum Osmond scored in the 97th minute to effectively end the match.
Some fans are alleged to have physically and verbally abused Hearts players, which led the visitors to leave the ground immediately without fulfilling media duties, with sfaety fears cited as the main reason.
"Heart of Midlothian utterly condemns the shameful scenes at Celtic Park this afternoon which have, once again, embarrassed Scottish football," a statement from the Edinbrugh-based club read.
"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. We will make no further comment at this time other than to say that it is completely unacceptable that our players and staff were put in that situation."
Hearts may pursue a serious sanction for Celtic, which could result potentially end in it being stripped of the title, although that would appear to be unlikely.
"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," the statemnent concluded.
"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."
