Hearts slam 'disgraceful' pitch invasion and report 'serious' abuse at Celtic Park

Hearts say their players and staff have reported "serious physical and verbal abuse" following the "shameful", "unacceptable" and "disgraceful" pitch invasion at Celtic Park after the home side's 3-1 win.

Moments after Callum Osmand's goal wrapped up the Scottish Premiership title for Celtic, a number of home fans ran on to the pitch to celebrate.

Several confronted the crestfallen Hearts players, who were ushered down the tunnel by club officials concerned for their safety.

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However, the Jambos have revealed some of their team were caught up in the scenes that they say have "embarrassed Scottish football".

Hearts added that due to the "menacing and threatening atmosphere inside the stadium," they had to leave, still in their match kits, within 20 minutes of the full-time whistle. Meanwhile, inside, the Celtic players and vast majority of supporters were waiting for the trophy lift.

The club added that they are in contact with Police Scotland, and "expect the strongest action possible to be taken by the footballing authorities in the interests of protecting the safety of players and supporters, and the integrity of our game".

In a statement, the Tynecastle Park club added that "the safety of our staff was our prime focus during these unacceptable scenes", meaning they were not able to take part in post-match media duties, nor thank the 752 away fans inside Parkhead.

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Sky Sports News have contacted the SPFL, Police Scotland and Celtic for comment.

Heart of Midlothian utterly condemns the shameful scenes at Celtic Park this afternoon which have, once again, embarrassed Scottish football.

Reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere, are deeply disturbing. We are investigating this fully and are in dialogue with Police Scotland.

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 atmosphere inside the stadium, our entire staff had no alternative but to leave immediately, without undertaking post-match media duties. To our media partners, we apologise but the safety of our staff was our prime focus during these unacceptable scenes.

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

We expect the strongest action possible to be taken by the footballing authorities in the interests of protecting the safety of players and supporters, and the integrity of our game.

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