'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 the league 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.

Describing the events in Glasgow 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."

Hearts also noted that "nobody seemed to know whether or not the match had been brought to a finish", given the Celtic fans entered the field in the immediate aftermath of the third goal and with time still notionally left to play.

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

Hearts say they "expect the strongest action possible to be taken by the footballing authorities" to protect "the integrity of our game".

"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 SPFL says it will be making no comment on the post-match scenes until it has seen their match delegate's report.

However, it is believed that the match officials have confirmed that the full-time whistle was blown before the players left the field.

Arriving back at Tynecastle after the heartbreak of missing out on a first league title in 66 years certainly hurt the players, management, staff and thousands of fans who awaited their return.

Indeed, the pubs and bars along Gorgie Road and McLeod Street were still packed to the rafters as supporters drowned their sorrows after a day that began with so much hope but ended in misery.

Inside the inner sanctum at Tynecastle, emotions remain very raw - not only because of losing out on the final day but also because of what happened at full-time when players were allegedly accosted following the pitch invasion.

Communication with the football and police authorities will take place over the next few days, with the players and management involved taking time to reflect on exactly what happened.

This has undoubtedly been a season to remember for many and Hearts' story throughout this campaign has brought a new audience to Scottish football that otherwise may not have paid attention to what was happening in our game.

Saturday's match attracted a global audience in the millions, such was the attention surrounding this title decider.

We can only hope those ugly scenes at full-time do not in any way deter that increased interest heading into next season.