Chaotic scenes as Hearts exit (foto: Screenshot)
Hearts made a rapid exit from Celtic Park under police escort after dramatic and controversial scenes during the Premiership title decider.
Hearts made a rapid and emotional exit from Celtic Park after losing the Scottish Premiership title dramatically to Celtic.
Derek McInnes and his players reportedly left the stadium still wearing their full match kits as they headed directly back to Edinburgh under police escort.
The final day title showdown ended in heartbreak for Hearts after Celtic produced a late comeback in front of nearly 60,000 supporters at Parkhead.
Lawrence Shankland had stunned the home crowd by giving Hearts the lead before Celtic responded through an Arne Engels penalty.
With the title race hanging in the balance, Daizen Maeda scored a dramatic late winner before Callum Osmand added another goal on the counterattack during the closing moments.
The scenes after the final goal quickly turned chaotic.
Hundreds of supporters spilt onto the pitch as celebrations exploded around Celtic Park, with confusion initially surrounding whether the final whistle had already been blown.
Reports also claimed some Hearts players were subjected to alleged assaults during the disorder.
The Hearts squad wasted little time leaving the stadium afterwards.
Television footage showed the team bus departing Parkhead with a police escort, including motorcycles positioned at both the front and rear of the vehicle.
Sky Sports presenter Eilidh Barbour commented:
“They’ve left in their full kit. They didn’t get changed. That is them leaving right now.”
Hearts legend John Robertson admitted the pain would be enormous despite the club’s remarkable campaign.
“They’ve shot away early. That is it, and they will go back to Tynecastle.”
“When they reflect on the season they’ve had, it has been sensational.”
“Those players and that manager have done everything.”
“They will be absolutely sick and gutted.”
Despite the devastating defeat, Hearts supporters welcomed the team back to Tynecastle with huge applause.
The players returned still wearing their match kits and received an emotional reception from fans proud of the club’s title challenge.