Calls have been made for an inquiry into Celtic’s title-winning match after allegations that Hearts players were assaulted by fans in 'shameful scenes'.
Hundreds of Celtic supporters ran on to the pitch moments after Callum Osmand sealed victory in added time to secure a 3 – 1 home win over the Edinburgh side which clinched the Scottish Premiership title on the last day of the season.
Amid the chaos, Hearts players were accosted by Celtic fans – with team captain Lawrence Shankland being targeted by supporters. It was alleged he was assaulted during the fracas.
The Hearts team and staff then made a hasty exit, with some players still wearing their kit on the team bus as it was given a police escort from the stadium.
Tonight, Hearts condemned the ‘shameful scenes’ and said they were discussing the matter with police.
In a statement, Hearts said: '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.
Stewards guide Lawrence Shankland off the pitch at Celtic Park after fans invaded the pitch
'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 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.'
It’s also been claimed the match ended before the full eight minutes of added time was played.
Labour peer and lifelong Hearts fan Lord George Foulkes said there should be ‘some sort of inquiry,’ saying ‘the result appeared predetermined’.
When asked about the assault allegations, Celtic boss Martin O’Neill said: ‘If some Hearts players have been accosted, then that’s just not right at all.
‘I genuinely didn’t see the scenes at the end because I thought the game wasn’t over, so I’m trying to push some of our fans off the pitch again to play whatever’s left.’
One fan could be seen gesticulating towards Shankland after running on to the pitch
Hearts only needed a draw to end the 40-year dominance of the Old Firm and clinch the title but two quick goals in the final minutes ended that hope.
Much like the controversial penalty awarded to Celtic in their previous game against Motherwell, there were more decisions that will be picked over by pundits.
Celtic scored from a penalty while another goal by Celtic’s Daizen Maeda was awarded after a VAR review, despite initially being deemed offside.
However, the biggest talking point around the game ended up being the pitch invasion, which brought chaos to the conclusion of the Scottish Premiership.
As fans flooded on to the pitch, Hearts captain Shankland and some of his teammates were accosted.
TV crews captured footage in the aftermath, showing Celtic fans goading Shankland after running up to him.
One Celtic fan, carrying a young boy in his arms, could be seen gesturing with his hand in Shankland’s face after running half the pitch to confront him.
Other fans could be seen trying to get near Shankland but were deterred by other Hearts players and stewards.
A Celtic fan goads Hearts manager Derek McInnes after his side lost
Manager Derek McInnes was also caught up in ugly scenes as some Celtic fans ran over to goad him.
On Sky Sports’ coverage of the game, former Scotland international James McFadden blasted the situation, describing it as: ‘Totally and utterly sickening, disgraceful. A horrible scene.’
Despite missing out on the title, Hearts thanked their fans for their support.
The club said: '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.'
After the match there was further trouble in Glasgow’s Trongate as police were pelted with missiles after Celtic fans gathered in the area to celebrate.
Metal police barricades had been set up to keep supporters from climbing onto nearby scaffolding after Celtic fans brought chaos to the same spot last year.
Some fans were pictured clambering onto traffic lights in Glasgow
Glass from bus shelters had also been removed to stop it from being smashed.
However, some fans were soon pictured clambering onto traffic lights, lampposts and the historic Mercat Cross, which was damaged in previous disorder.
In a statement, the force said: ‘Officers went into the crowd to assist with a medical emergency and were faced with significant levels of hostility, with bottles and other missiles thrown at them.
'Police are now taking decisive action to disperse the crowds.
'For public safety reasons, all members of the public are being asked to leave the area.'