Hearts condemn ugly scenes that saw Celtic fans ATTACK their players: Scottish club call for ‘the strongest action possible’ with police investigating after their captain was PUNCHED by pitch invader

Hearts condemned the scenes, which the club said had “disgraced Scottish football once again”, following allegations that its players were attacked by Celtic fans on the final day of the season.

Martin O’Neill’s side secured another title despite a turbulent season by beating Hearts 3-1 with two late goals, but the moment was marred by ugly scenes after Callum Osmand scored the winner in the eighth minute of extra time.

Following the goal, there was a frenzied pitch invasion, with some fans attacking the devastated Hearts players; Captain Lawrence Shankland was seen being punched and kicked in shocking scenes.

Eyewitnesses reported that Shankland tried to defend himself before being taken into the tunnel by police, and some of his teammates also got into trouble.

Meanwhile, Hearts released a statement and confirmed they had spoken to police about what action would be taken next.

“Heart of Midlothian fully condemns the disgraceful scenes at Celtic Park this afternoon that have once again embarrassed Scottish football,” the statement said. Reports of serious physical and verbal abuse of our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere, are deeply disturbing.

Some Celtic fans invaded the pitch after their third goal to win the league title

‘We are investigating this fully and are in dialogue with Police Scotland. We will have no further comment at this time other than to say that it is completely unacceptable that our players and staff have been put in this situation.

‘Given the menacing and threatening atmosphere in the stadium, all of our staff had no choice but to leave immediately without undertaking post-match media duties. We apologize to our media partners but the safety of our staff was our primary focus during these unacceptable scenes.

‘The invasion of the pitch created a chaotic ending and no one knew if the match was over.

‘Our players were not given the opportunity to thank our amazing fans for their support this afternoon and throughout the season – which was sensational to one man.

‘We expect the strongest possible measures from the football authorities to protect the safety of players and fans and the integrity of our game.

‘This season we have seen Hearts capture the imagination of football fans not just in Scotland but around the world. We pay tribute to Derek McInnes, his staff, the first team and the fans who have done the club proud this season. ‘None of them deserved the shameful scenes that took place.’

Amid the chaotic scenes, Hearts’ players and staff were seen rushing out of the stadium; most of them were still in their jerseys and boarded the team bus 30 minutes after the end of the game.

This was a match that decided the Scottish champion; Hearts needed a draw or a win to confirm they would lift the trophy.

They took the lead through Shankland, but Arne Engels equalized before half-time and Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand ensured it was the home team rather than claim victory.

Later in the evening, Police Scotland issued a statement saying they had dealt with ‘unacceptable violence and hostility’ as fans gathered in Glasgow to celebrate the win.

‘Following the match approximately 3,000 people made their way to the Trongate area of ​​the city, where we encountered significant disorder in which officers were injured,’ they said. ‘While they were assisting with a medical emergency, missiles, including glass bottles, were thrown at them.

‘Specially trained public order officers were deployed and action was taken to restore order, disperse the crowd and make arrests.

‘Full investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals involved in this incident and further arrests will be made.’