'Menacing and threatening atmosphere' forced Hearts exit

Hearts' Cammy Devlin, left, and Frankie Kent were in tears upon their return to Tynecastle Captain Lawrence Shankland and head coach Derek McInnes came back out to greet the fans Striker Pierre Landry Kabore was consoled by head coach Derek McInnes Hearts chair Ann Budge greeted the fans outside Tynecastle 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. Celtic stun Hearts with late double to snatch title in astonishing finale Resilient Celtic time run perfectly to win race after eight-month chase Celtic lift Premiership trophy after incredible ending 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.