A Disturbing Incident at Celtic Park
Hearts has expressed strong disapproval of the behavior of some Celtic fans, stating that their actions "embarrassed Scottish football." The club described reports of "serious physical and verbal abuse towards players and staff" as "disturbing," following a dramatic end to the Scottish Premiership title decider.
The match ended in chaos after hundreds of celebrating supporters invaded the pitch following Callum Osmand’s goal, which secured the title for Celtic. Some fans reportedly goaded and confronted Hearts players, despite the visitors' failure to win their first league title since 1960.
Pitch Invasion and Disruption
The pitch invasion caused a chaotic conclusion to the match, with uncertainty about whether it had been officially ended. With one minute remaining and the score at 3-1, Hearts players were removed from the pitch for their safety after Osmand's goal and the subsequent disruption. However, the match was not resumed, leaving the team without the chance to thank their fans.
Emotional Return and Calls for Action
Following the incident, the Hearts team left Celtic Park within 10 minutes of full-time due to what the club described as a "menacing and threatening atmosphere." They later returned to an emotional welcome at Tynecastle, where some players broke down in tears.
In response to the events, Hearts has called for the "strongest action possible" from the Scottish Football Association and Scottish Professional Football League. The club also confirmed they are in dialogue with Police Scotland.
Captain Escorted Off the Pitch
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland had to be escorted off the pitch by police amid reports of a physical altercation with a Celtic supporter. Meanwhile, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill commented on the situation, stating that if Hearts players were "accosted" on the pitch, it would be "pretty serious."
"Heart of Midlothian utterly condemns the shameful scenes at Celtic Park this afternoon which have, once again, embarrassed Scottish football," a club statement said.
Condemnation and Concerns
Reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards Hearts players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere, have deeply disturbed the club. They are conducting a full investigation and are in dialogue with Police Scotland. The club added that it is completely unacceptable that their players and staff were put in that situation.
The menacing and threatening atmosphere inside the stadium forced the entire staff to leave immediately, without undertaking post-match media duties. To their media partners, the club apologized, emphasizing that the safety of their staff was their prime focus during these unacceptable scenes.
Unacceptable Behavior and Safety Concerns
The pitch invasion caused a chaotic end, and nobody seemed to know whether or not the match had been brought to a finish. The players were then denied the opportunity to thank their fans for their backing throughout the season.
Hearts expects 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 the game. This season has seen Hearts capture the imagination of football fans worldwide, and the club pays tribute to Derek McInnes, his staff, the first team, and the supporters who have done the club proud.
Manager's Perspective
Earlier, Celtic boss Martin O’Neill had said: "If some Hearts players have been accosted, then that’s just not right at all."
"I genuinely didn’t see the scenes at the end because I thought the game wasn’t over, so I’m trying to push some of our fans off the pitch again to play whatever’s left."
"Obviously, at 3-1, I think that the fourth official had said to me, there was like a minute to go when we scored the goal, so with the best will in the world, they’re not going to get 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 have been accosted by some of our fans, that’s pretty serious. Honestly, I’m not pushing it to the side, it’ll be something that the officials or people will have to look at."
Former Player's Comments
Meanwhile, the behavior of some Celtic fans towards Hearts players has been described as "unacceptable" by former Scotland international James McFadden.
"I understand spilling over, onto the pitch, with emotion, you back off, but this is unacceptable to me, going up to players. I get emotions running high, players should be safe on the football pitch. You do not want to see that," McFadden said.
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