'Menacing and threatening atmosphere' forced Hearts exit

Hearts say they were forced to leave Celtic Park immediately after the final whistle of their Scottish Premiership decider because of "the menacing and threatening atmosphere inside the stadium".

Fans invaded the pitch after Callum Osmand scored to put Celtic 3-1 ahead deep into stoppage time as the reigning champions leapfrogged the visitors to secure their fifth consecutive league title in an incredible conclusion to the season.

In a statement released after their return to Tynecastle, Hearts say they "utterly condemn the shameful scenes at Celtic Park, which have, once again, embarrassed Scottish football".

Hearts, who finished as runners-up after leading since September, say "reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere" are being investigated by the club and Police Scotland.

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Describing it as "deeply disturbing", the Edinburgh club say: "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."

The latest incident comes after fans of both Celtic and Rangers invaded the pitch following the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox.

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

"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."

Hearts say they "expect the strongest action possible to be taken by the footballing authorities" to protect "the integrity of our game" but praised their team and head coach.

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

"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."

The Scottish Professional Football League told BBC Scotland it will be making no comment on the post-match scenes until they have seen their match delegate's report.

Image source, PAImage caption, Hearts centre-half Frankie Kent arrived back at Tynecastle in tears

Image source, SNSImage caption, Centre-half Jamie McCart was also emotional

Image source, SNSImage caption, Captain Lawrence Shankland and head coach Derek McInnes came back out to greet the fans

Image source, SNSImage caption, Midfielder Cammy Devlin looked to be in shock

Image source, SNSImage caption, Striker Pierre Landry Kabore was consoled by head coach Derek McInnes

Image source, SNSImage caption, Hearts chair Ann Budge greeted the fans outside Tynecastle

Image source, SNSImage caption, Hearts fans thanked the players