Hearts condemn 'shameful scenes' following Scottish Premiership title decider with Celtic and report 'menacing and threatening atmosphere'

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Hearts condemned "shameful scenes" following their Scottish Premiership title decider against Celtic, saying their players dealt with a "menacing and threatening atmosphere."

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Hearts needed just a point at Celtic Park to cap a famous season with their first league title since 1960, but two late goals crowned Celtic as champions thanks to a 3-1 victory.

Following Callum Osmand's clinching goal in the final seconds, a pitch invasion from delirious home fans led to a slightly abridged ending, 30 seconds before the end of the allotted eight minutes of injury time.

In a statement, the Edinburgh club said it had received reports of "serious physical and verbal abuse" towards their players and staff, which it called "deeply disturbing."

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

Hearts said that the ending at Celtic Park has, "once again, embarrassed Scottish football."

The club also stated: "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."

Hearts added that they have contacted police and footballing authorities about the incidents and the ending of the match in Glasgow.

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"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," the statement continued.

"To our media partners, we apologise but the safety of our staff was our prime focus during these unacceptable scenes," the Hearts statement added.

"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."

Saturday's game was a climactic end to what has been a thrilling season in the Scottish Premiership.

Visiting skipper Lawrence Shankland had given Hearts the lead in the first half before Arne Engels levelled from the penalty spot.

Late goals from Daizen Maeda and Osmand sealed the victory for Celtic though and prompted the pitch invasion.

Hearts came agonisingly close to winning their first title in 66 years having been atop the league table for many months, and the emotion of the defeat was evident as the players arrived back at Tynecastle, with many in tears as they got off their bus.

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

"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 final day victory means Celtic secured their 14th title in 15 seasons and their 56th league crown overall, putting them one ahead of Rangers.

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Scottish Premiership