Celtic issue formal apology to Hearts and vow to comply with any probe

A number of Celtic fans entered the field of play when Callum Osmand netting a stoppage-time goal to give their team a 3-1 victory and secured the championship at the Tynecastle side’s expense. Several Hearts players were taunted and accosted by the supporters, with a Hearts statement claiming that there were reports of “serious physical and verbal abuse” towards their staff.

The Hearts team immediately left Celtic Park without changing out of their kit and did not carry out any media duties. They returned to Tynecastle and while some fans were there to greet them, the players were unable to thank the 752 supporters inside Celtic Park.

Celtic released a statement on Sunday evening condemning the actions of some of their fans and said they would fully comply with any investigation into what happened.

“Everyone at the Club congratulates manager Martin [O’Neill], our players and all our staff on delivering the club’s 56th Scottish league title and a thrilling climax to the season backed by a magnificent support,” the statement read.

“We thank Celtic fans for everything they have done to help the team over the line.

“The Club regrets that our victory over Hearts was followed by a number of individuals entering the field of play.

“We again emphasise that there is no justification for this behaviour which, for the vast majority of Celtic supporters, only detracts from the joy of such occasions.

“Celtic will co-operate fully with any investigation and with the SPFL in their own processes.

“We also apologise to Hearts for the situation encountered by their players and staff at the conclusion of the game, and for the fact that these events prevented them from saluting their own supporters at the end of an enthralling campaign, to which they have contributed so much.”

Police Scotland and SPFL speak out

Earlier in the day, Police Scotland vowed to take “robust and swift action” against anybody found to have committed criminality as the Scottish Professional Football League condemned Celtic supporters’ “wholly unacceptable” pitch invasion at the end of match.

Christian Borchgrevink, an unused substitute for the Jambos, told Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang in a telephone interview that: “People got worried. I was on the bench and we ran out to shield the others. Everyone eventually made it back in unharmed, but with a little blood here and there.”

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said on Sunday morning that police investigations are ongoing. “We spoke to Hearts yesterday,” he said. “We’re following that up to understand if any player was assaulted.

“If any player, or indeed any member of the public, has been assaulted on that pitch, and there is criminality, we will take robust and swift action.

“The club (Celtic) are responsible for safety and security and the planning of the stadium. Police provide a supporting role in that to look at any criminality, any policing response that is required, and we are continuing to do that.

“So, if there is any criminality, whether that be the allegations of assault against Hearts players or anything else, then our post investigation will pick that up, and we will take the most robust action possible.”

Asked if there had been any arrests relating to the pitch invasion, ACC Sutherland said: “Not as yet. And that remains ongoing as we work through with partners today.”

The SPFL released a statement on Sunday afternoon saying: “We utterly condemn the scenes which saw a number of Celtic supporters encroach onto the field of play.

“We await the report of our match delegate regarding any specific incidents that took place but, regardless, supporters entering the field of play in any circumstances is wholly unacceptable and puts those participating and working at a match at risk.

“We urge anyone with information about any alleged criminal activity to contact Police Scotland.”

The match did not restart despite having around 30 seconds left of the allotted stoppage-time when Osmand scored. But the SPFL confirmed: “Given the speculation about the conclusion of the game, we would like to make clear that, prior to awarding the trophy, we were informed by the match referee that the match had ended and had not been abandoned.”

Hearts condemned the “shameful scenes”, saying they had “embarrassed Scottish football”. “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,” they wrote in their own statement.

While Hearts were not able to conduct a press conference afterwards, Greek winger Alexandros Kyziridis described Hearts’ stirring bid to claim the title on social media as “a story I will remember for the rest of my life, even though it didn’t have a happy ending”.

Kyziridis was one of only two players to feature in all 38 of the Jambos’ league games as they led the way from September until the final moments of the season in their bold quest to become champions of Scotland for the first time in 66 years.

“I can’t find the words to tell you what I feel,” the 25-year-old, whose handball led to the penalty that allowed Celtic to equalise on Saturday, posted on Instagram. “From last night until now, I haven’t slept at all, thinking about what I could have done better for us to win the title. I still haven’t fully realised it.

“From heaven to hell in 90 minutes. A story I will remember for the rest of my life, even though it didn’t have a happy ending.

“We tried… we truly gave everything we had – and even more – to bring the trophy home. Football can be cruel. As much as I don’t want to accept it, I have to, because everything in life is a lesson.

“I am very proud of everyone – my team-mates, the coaches and all the people who work for the team. I also want to thank the fans throughout this whole journey because through the good times and the difficult ones, they were always there.”

Kyziridis had a positive message for Hearts’ devastated supporters. “I promise you this was only the beginning, and next year we will try again to achieve the best possible result,” he added.