Scottish Cup: Celtic hit back over Hearts owner Ann Budge's comments

Scottish Cup: Celtic hit back over Hearts owner Ann Budge's comments

Celtic responded to hearts owner Ann Budge after she called to "take appropriate measures" against five of their fans who were arrested for sectarian abuse tie Sunday at Tynecastle Scottish Cup.

A report by police following the fourth round tie - which Celtic won 4-0 - also confirmed that a hearts supporter was arrested in the match for the same offence.

In a statement Wednesday Budge, which claimed nearly 100 seats ultimately outside of the field were damaged during the afternoon, said this kind of behaviour is "unacceptable and dangerous" and stressed in accordance with its previous declaration of tolerance zero that any person found guilty can only return to the stage.

"I was dismayed to see in acts of vandalism carried out by visiting supporters Sunday," she said. "After recently spending large sums of money to replace the seats broken in the Roseburn stand, for the benefit, above all, of our supporters on the outside, I was extremely disappointed to attend the destruction of more than 100 seats.

Shameful

"Similarly, the graffiti on the walls, tiles, doors - virtually all types of surfaces - was shameful and not to mention the damage to the toilet.

"I have discussed all these issues with members of the Celtic Executive and we work collaboratively to solve problems. No club should be on the end of reception of such unacceptable behaviour and no club should be put in the position of having to defend this kind of behaviour.

"Relations emails or more painful that I received were intimidation both fans and staff of fans outside. Everyone is frustrated when officials and the police seems to be little or no.

"This is something I'll discuss with the authorities, but as many of us know, their response is very often influenced by a need not to inflame a situation. The only real answer is to try to remove the people who cause problems and which spoil the experience of so many others. »

But Celtic issued a statement of their own claiming that the correspondence between the parties on the site of Edinburgh became more 'harder' in recent years.

Attack

It read: "as recent years have shown, the mounting between the heart of Midlothian and Celtic at Tynecastle Stadium has become difficult. This fact following various incidents, including an attack on Celtic manager and the maintenance of sectarian abuse aim players, Celtic management and staff.

"Celts representatives met with Ann Budge and his management team yesterday (Tuesday) and were informed of the specific issues that had arisen in Sunday's game. ''

"In addition to these issues, missiles were thrown in the Celtic support, a Celtic supporter injuries suffered during the match after being hit with coins, and sectarian abuse aimed at new players and Celtic staff."

"We are also aware of a supporter of House even once attempted to enter the field of play at Tynecastle, this time to the approach of one of our players. We deal with these issues with the heart of Midlothian and welcome the will of Ann Budge to seek a positive experience and enjoyable day for all fans of football at Tynecastle.

"We look forward to working with her to achieve. Supporters Celtic have a long and proud positive support for the club. Our fans have developed an excellent reputation and it is something of cherish us and wish to preserve.

"It is very important to note that the vast majority of Celtic supporters and supporters of Scottish football behaves impeccably at matches.

Manager

"With regard to incidents in Sunday's match, we would like to reiterate that any form of offensive or inappropriate behaviour is contrary to our core values and the club will treat those responsible appropriately.

"We share the concerns expressed by Ann Budge and its objective of eradicating all forms of offensive behavior of Scottish football.

"We can assure heart of Midlothian that we are happy to continue to cooperate with them fully to ensure that all issues of this match for both sets of supporters are dealt."

And Celtic striker Anthony Stokes up version of his club of events and criticized the comments of Budge, writing on social media: «budge maybe Ann should worry about his own fans, never had so much sectarian comments addressed to me in a soil as Tynecastle the other day.»

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