sports
Hearts contact police and condemn ‘shameful’ abuse of players and staff after Celtic defeat
Club demand action over scenes at end of title-decider
TL;DR
- Hearts FC has condemned the 'shameful' and 'disgraceful' scenes at Celtic Park after their defeat in the Scottish Premiership title race.
- The club reported 'deeply disturbing' physical and verbal abuse towards their players and staff during a mass pitch invasion following Celtic's winning goal.
- Hearts players and staff left the pitch before the end of stoppage time and did not undertake post-match media duties due to the 'menacing and threatening atmosphere'.
- The club is investigating the incidents fully and is in dialogue with Police Scotland, demanding the strongest possible action from footballing authorities.
- Celtic's manager Martin O'Neill was unaware of Hearts players being targeted and stated that if they were, 'it's just not right at all'.
- Hearts expressed disappointment that their players were denied the opportunity to thank their fans.
- The club paid tribute to their manager Derek McInnes, his staff, the first team, and supporters for their season, stating they did not deserve the 'disgraceful scenes'.