Hearts say they had been forced to go away Celtic Park instantly after the ultimate whistle of their Scottish Premiership decider due to “the menacing and threatening atmosphere inside the stadium”.

Fans invaded the pitch after Callum Osmand scored to place Celtic 3-1 forward deep into stoppage time because the reigning champions leapfrogged the guests to safe their fifth consecutive league title in an unbelievable conclusion to the season.

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In a press release launched after their return to Tynecastle, Hearts say they “utterly condemn the shameful scenes at Celtic Park, which have, once again, embarrassed Scottish football”.

Hearts, who completed as runners-up after main since September, say “reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere” are being investigated by the membership and Police Scotland.

Describing it as “deeply disturbing”, the Edinburgh membership say: “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 environment contained in the stadium, our complete workers had no various however to go away instantly, with out enterprise post-match media duties.

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“To our media partners, we apologise, but the safety of our staff was our prime focus during these unacceptable scenes.”

The newest incident comes after followers of each Celtic and Rangers invaded the pitch following the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox.

“The pitch invasion caused a chaotic end and nobody seemed to know whether or not the match had been brought to a finish,” Hearts say.

“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.”

Hearts say they “expect the strongest action possible to be taken by the footballing authorities” to guard “the integrity of our game” however praised their workforce and head coach.

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“This season has seen Hearts capture the imagination of football fans, not only in Scotland but the world over,” they add.

“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.”

The Scottish Professional Football League advised BBC Scotland will probably be making no touch upon the post-match scenes till they’ve seen their match delegate’s report.



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