Hearts anger over SPFL probe into Tynecastle crowd trouble

HEARTS are angered by SPFL investigations into a disturbance amongst fans during the match with Dundee United at Tynecastle last month.

Hearts played Dundee United at Tynecastle on December 30

The governing body announced in a media statement that they are looking into reports of unacceptable conduct, understood to relate to United fans trying to break through a barrier of stewards to get to home supporters when the teams met on December 30.

The Edinburgh club were told by phone yesterday that an official investigation had commenced but received no documentation relating to the matter. They are unhappy at being implicated in the probe.

Rangers’ match against Hibs at Ibrox is also being investigated after sectarian singing was heard live on television. SPFL match delegates at both matches reported the incidents and they will now be looked into by league officials at Hampden.

A statement issued by the SPFL read: “Following a review of the match delegate reports, the SPFL has instructed that formal investigations be undertaken in relation to the recent Rangers v Hibernian and Heart of Midlothian v Dundee United matches, where incidents of unacceptable conduct have been reported.”

An SPFL spokesman said: “The SPFL is committed to addressing unacceptable conduct where it occurs.”

Earlier this week, the SPFL revealed plans to introduce facial recognition technology in an attempt to identify troublemakers at Scottish football grounds.