Hearts condemn 'shameless scenes' after Celtic supporters' pitch invasion

Derek McInnes' Jambos, having been top for almost the entire season, arrived in Glasgow needing only a draw to become champions for the first time since 1960.

But late goals by Daizen Maeda and substitute Callum Osmand ended their dream.

The final goal sparked a pitch invasion, meaning shattered Hearts players, confronted by fans, had to be escorted down the tunnel to safety.

The visitors boarded their team bus, still in their kit, moments later to make the sobering trek back to Edinburgh.

Hearts issued a strongly worded statement on the ugly scenes at the end of the game on Saturday.

"Heart of Midlothian utterly condemns the shameful scenes at Celtic Park this afternoon which have, once again, embarrassed Scottish football," the club said.

"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."

Hearts said they had no choice but to flee Celtic Park due to the "menacing and threatening atmosphere inside the stadium".

The Edinburgh club said it was even unclear whether the match had finished amid the chaos.

"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," the statement added.

"We expect the strongest action possible to be taken by the footballing authorities."

As Celtic fans celebrated a fifth straight Scottish league triumph, Police Scotland said Saturday evening its officers were "responding to disorder" in Glasgow's Trongate area.

"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," the force said in a brief statement.

"Decisive action is now being taken to disperse those gathered. For safety reasons, all members of the public are being asked to leave the area," it added.

Photographs and videos from the scene showed lines of officers with riot shields trying to control the crowds after bottles and other missiles were reportedly thrown.