In a club statement, Hearts condemned the “disgraceful” and “disgraceful” scenes that marred the conclusion of the final Scottish Premiership game of the season at Celtic Park.
Hearts players riot after pitch invasion (Image: (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images))
Hearts have accused “shameful scenes” at Celtic Park of “embarrassing Scottish football” as their Scottish Premiership title dreams ended in heartbreaking fashion. And he called for the Edinburgh club to take the strongest possible measures following reports of players and staff being verbally and physically abused on the pitch and elsewhere, leaving a lack of security and safety in place.
Hearts had been leading the table since September with the aim of becoming the first non-Old Firm side to win the top flight in 40 years, but their quest ended in heartbreak for Derek McInnes’ side as Callum Osmund’s late goal gave the Hoops a 3-1 win. And shortly after Osmund’s goal, towards the end of stoppage time, fans rushed onto the pitch to celebrate with Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, but were allegedly assaulted along with many of his team-mates, and they had to be escorted off the pitch.
Harts also said it was not yet clear when, or if, referee Don Robertson actually blew the full-time whistle during the chaotic scene. They also explained why they felt it necessary to leave the stadium after the match without fulfilling any media duties, and apologized for this and to the 750 fans who had traveled west for not being able to see them on the pitch and for being exposed to the incident at the end of the match.
A statement said: “Midlothian wholeheartedly condemns the disgraceful scenes at Celtic Park this afternoon, which have once again brought Scottish football to shame.
“Reports of serious physical and verbal abuse of players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere, are extremely worrying. We are investigating this matter thoroughly and are in dialogue with Police Scotland. We will not be making any further comment at this time other than to say that it is completely unacceptable for our players or staff to be put in such a situation.”
read more: Celtic vs Hearts ‘abandoned game’ theory explains invisible referee’s actions amid chaosread more: Celtic vs Hearts ends in ugly scenes with police dragging players away after pitch invasion
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“Given the intimidating and threatening atmosphere inside the stadium, all members of our staff had no choice but to immediately leave the stadium without taking on post-match media duties. We apologize to our media partners, but the safety of our staff was our top priority in such an unacceptable scene.”
“The pitch invasion caused such chaos that no one seemed to know whether the game was over or not. Afterwards, the players were not given the opportunity to thank our wonderful fans for their support this afternoon and throughout the season, which is sensational for some.”
“We expect the football authorities to take the strongest possible measures to protect the safety of players and supporters, and the integrity of the game. This season, Hearts have captured the imagination of football fans in Scotland and around the world.”
Celtic fans storm the pitch after beating Hearts to win the William Hill Premiership title (Image: PA Wire)
“We pay tribute to Derek McInnes, his staff, the first team and the supporters who have made the club proud this season. None of them deserved such disgraceful scenes to unfold.”
Earlier, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill said: “It’s not right at all if some of the Hearts players are being accused. I really didn’t see the final scene because I thought the game wasn’t over yet. So I’m trying to get some fans off the pitch again and let them play with what’s left.”
“Obviously, when it was 3-1, I think the fourth official said to me, there was about a minute left when we scored, so with the strongest will in the world, they won’t be able to score two goals in that time.
“Obviously there’s a lot of commotion in the tunnel so I don’t know, but getting back to the point, if Hearts players are being accosted by some of the fans, that’s pretty serious. To be honest, I’m not pushing it aside. It’s something that officials and people will have to consider.”
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