Police probe chants at match after Bren drama
POLICE Scotland is investigating sectarian singing which took place at Tynecastle Stadium on the night of the Hearts v Celtic clash.
The force is now also looking into a coin-throwing incident and sectarian singing caught on camera ahead of the game.
Footage emerged online showing Hearts keeper Bobby Zlamal being targeted by what appeared to be a coin during the clash in Edinburgh.
Emotions were running high at the game following the departure of Brendan Rogers and return of Neil Lennon.
Celtic fans held up a banner reading “You traded immortality for mediocrity. Never a Celt. Always a fraud”, while the team arrived at Tynecastle for their 2-1 win.
The action divided fans with one supporter describing the move as “complacent”, adding: “Celtic fans banner was complacent. Especially after what he did for them.”
One Leicester fan wrote: “It hurts to see this banner for Brendan Rodgers joining Leicester (a club who made it to the quarterfinals of the Champions League in 2017) and leaving Celtic (who haven’t made it that far since 1980).”
Prompting this retort from an angry Celtic fan: “So you’ve a few? That’s nice to here you’re on the way up.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Edinburgh are currently investigating reports of sectarian singing that took place within Tynecastle Stadium on Wednesday, February 27.
“Inquiries into this matter are being led by Police Scotland’s FOCUS unit.
“Police are also investigating reports of coins being thrown from the away stand during the SPFL match between Heart of Midlothian and Celtic that evening.
“We are aware of footage posted to social media taken in a premises prior to the fixture between Hearts and Celtic on Wednesday 27 February and will review this to establish if further action is required.”
“Anyone with any relevant information in relation to these incidents should contact police immediately.”
In the light of the issues, former Old Firm footballers joined forces at the national stadium to help stamp out racism in the national game.