Hearts has reportedly called on the Scottish football regulator to take action against Martin O’Neill over his “irresponsible comments” following the pitch invasion at Celtic Park last weekend. Celtic’s caretaker manager spoke on talkSPORT radio earlier this week after his side’s 3-1 win in the title decider against the Jambos, insisting claims that Hearts players were attacked during the mayhem had been greatly exaggerated.
He denied Mr Hearts’ claims that the scenes at Full-time brought shame to Scottish football, calling such claims “nonsense”. Tynecastle bosses have indirectly hit back at the Northern Irishman in their latest statement regarding the unrest in Glasgow’s East End last Saturday. The statement, released just hours after club investor Tony Bloom claimed he had been assaulted by players, also addressed the theory that the match had been canceled, declaring that the intrusion on the pitch, not the match officials, “determined the duration of the match”.
It read: “Heart of Midlothian Football Club would like to once again thank our wonderful supporters for their incredible support throughout this season and provide an update on the events that took place at Celtic Park on Saturday.”
“As previously stated, the club is investigating the events before, during and after the match and will provide its full support to Police Scotland as they continue to investigate.
“We have also written to the SFA and SPFL, setting out our views and questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the early termination of matches, and expressing our concern that a troubling precedent has been set where pitch incursions, rather than match officials, effectively determine the length of football matches. We have asked them to respond quickly to the points we have raised.”
“The entry of spectators onto the playing field should never be allowed under any circumstances and supporters and clubs alike need to fully understand the seriousness of the potential consequences.
“We are aware that some very irresponsible comments have been made public this week that appear to be an attempt to undermine the gravity of the situation by defending the players who took to the pitch on Saturday.
“These statements have dangerous implications and we call on the football authorities to ensure that this matter is treated with the seriousness it requires and with the full cooperation of all concerned.
“This has been a fantastic season for Heart of Midlothian, but this is just the beginning of our plans to maintain our long-term success. We look to next season with confidence, buoyed as ever by the exceptional support of our fans, sponsors and partners.”
