Hearts have written to the Scottish FA and SPFL after Saturday’s Scottish Premiership decider at Celtic Park ended abruptly following a late Callum Osmand goal and a subsequent pitch invasion.
The Tynecastle club, who went into the final day one point clear, say players and staff were subjected to “serious physical and verbal abuse” and left the stadium immediately while still in their kits because of a “menacing and threatening atmosphere”.
Celtic apologised to Hearts and said they would “co-operate fully with any investigation”. Police Scotland are also probing reports of assaults and arrests were made after disorder in the city centre, with officers injured during some celebrations.
In a new statement Hearts set out concerns about what they described as a “troubling precedent” where a spectator incursion effectively determined the duration of a match rather than the match officials. The club has asked the SFA and SPFL for a prompt response to its questions and stressed that entering the field of play must never be condoned.
Hearts also criticised comments made by Celtic manager Martin O’Neill on talkSPORT, in which he appeared reluctant to condemn pitch invasions and described some criticism as “hyperbole”. The club said such remarks risk defending those who entered the pitch and “undermine the gravity of the situation”, calling on football authorities to treat the matter with the seriousness it demands.
Separately, Sky Sports News understands the SPFL plans to discuss with the Scottish Government whether pitch invasions should be criminalised, as they are in England and Wales, and whether tailgating should be made an offence. First Minister John Swinney said any legislative changes would be considered alongside a consultation on reforming football banning orders and pledged to engage with clubs, authorities and local councils to prevent a repeat.
Swinney condemned the behaviour of the minority involved and committed the government to working with football bodies to address the issue. Hearts say they will support Police Scotland’s enquiries and expect full cooperation from all parties as those investigations proceed.