Hearts have issued a strong statement condemning the 'shameful' and 'disgraceful' scenes that marred the conclusion of the Scottish Premiership title race at Celtic Park. The Edinburgh club highlighted the 'deeply disturbing' treatment of their players and staff during the pitch invasion that followed Celtic's 3-1 victory, which secured their fifth consecutive league title.
Pitch Invasion After Celtic's Title Win
Callum Osmand's goal, the third for Celtic, triggered a mass pitch invasion that saw Hearts players confronted and antagonized. Those who entered the pitch were audibly booed by fans in the stands. The Hearts squad left the pitch before the end of stoppage time, and the game was never restarted. They returned to Tynecastle Park under police escort.
Hearts Statement Condemns Abuse
'Heart of Midlothian utterly condemns the shameful scenes at Celtic Park this afternoon which have, once again, embarrassed Scottish football,' the club said. '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.'
The club added that due to the 'menacing and threatening atmosphere,' staff had no choice but to leave immediately without fulfilling post-match media duties. 'To our media partners, we apologise but the safety of our staff was our prime focus,' the statement read.
Lack of Response from Celtic and SPFL
Almost five hours after the match, neither Celtic nor the Scottish Professional Football League had commented. Celtic captain Callum McGregor dismissed the pitch invasion, while manager Martin O'Neill claimed he was unaware of Hearts players being targeted. 'If some Hearts players have been accosted then it's just not right at all,' O'Neill said. He noted that the fourth official indicated there was still a minute to play, but he assumed the match was over when Hearts manager Derek McInnes shook his hand.
Hearts Fans Show Support
Back in Edinburgh, Hearts players received a rousing reception from supporters who had come close to winning a first title since 1960. The club praised their fans and called for strong action from football authorities. 'Our players were denied the opportunity to thank our magnificent fans,' the statement added. '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.'
Hearts concluded by paying tribute to their manager, staff, and players, saying none of them deserved the 'disgraceful scenes' that unfolded.
