A Turbulent End to the Season
Hearts issued a forceful statement condemning the 'shameful' and 'disgraceful' scenes that unfolded at Celtic Park after their defeat. The club highlighted the 'deeply disturbing' treatment of players and staff, emphasizing that the safety of its contingent was paramount.
A late goal by Callum Osmand, which sealed Celtic's 3-1 victory and secured a fifth consecutive title, sparked a mass pitch invasion. The ensuing chaos saw the Hearts squad leave the field before the end of stoppage time, escorted by police, and denied the chance to thank the travelling supporters who had backed them throughout the match.
Celtic's manager, Martin O'Neill, acknowledged the incident but asserted that he was unaware of any targeting of Hearts players. His comments came as the Edinburgh side prepared to return home, where they were greeted with a rousing reception that underscored the broader disappointment felt by their fans.
In the aftermath, Hearts called for decisive action from football authorities to safeguard both players and supporters in future fixtures. The club stressed that the unacceptable conditions witnessed at Celtic Park must be addressed to prevent similar incidents across the sport.