Hearts have condemned scenes the club said have ‘once again embarrassed Scottish football’ after their players were allegedly attacked by Celtic fans on the final day of the season.
Martin O’Neill’s side beat Hearts 3-1 with two late goals to lift yet another title despite enduring a turbulent campaign, but the moment was marred by ugly scenes after Callum Osmand sealed the victory in the eighth minute of added time.
A wild pitch invasion ensued following the goal, and some fans attacked the devastated Hearts players, with captain Lawrence Shankland seen being punched and kicked in shocking scenes.
Eyewitnesses reported that Shankland tried to defend himself before he was escorted away and down the tunnel by police, with several of his team-mates also caught up in trouble.
Hearts, meanwhile, have released a statement and confirmed they are talking with police over what action will be taken next.
‘Heart of Midlothian utterly condemns the shameful scenes at Celtic Park this afternoon which have, once again, embarrassed Scottish football,’ the statement began. Reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere, are deeply disturbing.
Hearts have called for action to be taken after Celtic fans attacked their players on the final day of the Scottish Premiership season
A number of Celtic fans invaded the pitch after their third goal to claim the league title
‘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.
‘Given the menacing and threatening atmosphere inside the stadium, our entire staff had no alternative but to leave immediately, without undertaking post-match media duties. To our media partners, we apologise but the safety of our staff was our prime focus during these unacceptable scenes.
‘The pitch invasion caused a chaotic end and nobody seemed to know whether or not the match had been brought to a finish.
‘Our players were then denied the opportunity to thank our magnificent fans – sensational to a person – for their backing this afternoon and all season long.
‘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.
‘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.’
Amid the chaotic scenes, Hearts’ players and staff were then seen making a hasty exit from the stadium, with many still in their kit as they made their way onto the team bus less than 30 minutes after the full-time whistle.
It was a game that decided the Scottish champions, with Hearts needing a draw or win to confirm that they would be lifting the trophy.
They took the lead through Shankland, but Arne Engels equalised before half-time and Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand ensured it would be the home side instead claiming victory.
