Hearts players were left bloodied following the disgraceful pitch invasion by Celtic supporters in their tainted title decider on Saturday, according to a Hearts star
Hearts players exited the Celtic Park pitch bloodied, according to Jambos star Christian Borchgrevink. The title decider descended into disgraceful, chaotic scenes after Hoops fans stormed the pitch following their third goal deep into injury time as they overcame Hearts 3-1 to secure what has become a tainted title.
Several Hearts stars found themselves in confrontations with shameful home supporters on the Parkhead pitch and a club statement later reported there were ‘reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere.’
And Norwegian ace Borchgrevink, who remained an unused sub in Glasgow at the weekend, is the first Hearts player to recount the post-match disorder.
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Borchgrevink said: “It was complete chaos. Before we had time to gather our wits, we saw that some of our key players were being surrounded. It was hard to take in everything that was happening.
“People were getting worried. I was on the bench and we ran out to shield the others. Everyone eventually made it back in unharmed, though with a bit of blood here and there.
“At that point, we didn’t even know if the match had been called for full time yet and we were escorted off.
“Only then were we told the match was over and by then it was just a matter of getting away and onto the bus quickly.
“We haven’t had a chance to take stock yet. Everyone was fine, and then it was a matter of checking on family and supporters and they’re all fine too, as far as I know. So we’ve been standing here trying to take stock.”
The ex-Valerenga defender, who only made five league appearances for Derek McInnes’ side this season, confessed that the defeat was heart-breaking for Hearts.
Speaking to media in his home country, he added: “First and foremost, it’s brutal that we were in the lead for so long and lost it at the finish line. And that’s what we’re left with now.”
It remains to be seen how the Scottish FA will act or punish Celtic for the disgraceful way their supporters acted on the pitch, with it unclear when referee Don Robertson officially ended the title-deciding match.