Hearts Criticise Comments on Celtic Park Pitch Invasion
Hearts have condemned what they describe as "highly irresponsible" remarks with "dangerous implications" regarding the pitch invasion at Celtic Park. The comments followed Celtic manager Martin O'Neill's dismissal of claims that the incident embarrassed Scottish football as "nonsense".
Police Scotland are currently investigating after fans entered the pitch to celebrate Callum Osmand's 98th-minute goal, which secured a 3-1 victory for Celtic over Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.
During the pitch invasion, some Hearts players were confronted by supporters, prompting Celtic to issue an apology to their opponents earlier in the week due to the players having to make a hurried exit from the stadium.
On Monday, Celtic manager O'Neill stated he disagreed that the events tarnished his team's dramatic win.
"We are aware of highly irresponsible comments made publicly this week, which appear to seek to defend those who entered the pitch on Saturday and undermine the gravity of the situation," Hearts said in an official statement.
"Those remarks carry dangerous implications, and we call upon the football authorities to ensure that this matter is addressed with the seriousness it demands, and with the full cooperation of all involved."
Reactions and Official Responses
O'Neill rejected the criticism of the pitch invasion as "nonsense." Meanwhile, the SPFL noted on Sunday that referee Don Robertson ended the game after Osmand's goal, despite the match clock showing at least 40 seconds of allocated stoppage time remaining.
Hearts have written to both the SPFL and the Scottish FA outlining their observations and expressing concern that a troubling precedent may have been set, whereby a pitch invasion could effectively determine the duration of a football match.
Claims of Assault and Police Investigation
Hearts shareholder Tony Bloom has alleged that some Hearts players were assaulted during the pitch invasion. Police are investigating whether any criminal offences occurred.
"The final whistle hadn't gone, so no supporters should have been on the pitch," Bloom told talkSPORT.
"The Hearts players were in danger and one or two got assaulted. It is completely unacceptable behaviour and the authorities will be looking at it. I don't want to say any more about that.
"I just want to say how tremendous the players have been all season long and they were absolutely on the floor devastated like all of us but we must come back stronger."
Season Overview and Future Prospects
Hearts led the Premiership from September but narrowly missed out on their first league title since 1960 after Celtic's late victory in the final game of the season.
Bloom, who invested in Hearts a year ago, has contributed through his data analytics company to building a squad that nearly ended 40 years of Old Firm dominance.
Upon his involvement, Bloom described the project as a long-term effort to win the league and has pledged that the club will return stronger next season.
"For anyone involved in Hearts it is a devastating weekend," Bloom said. "The last 10 days of the season, so much happened.
"However we must look forward - what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. The Hearts fans are absolutely fantastic.
"We will be back next season with a bang. We want to be competing to win the league every single season we possibly can."
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