Celtic 'spit' fans under investigation

PAUL KIDDIE

LOTHIAN and Borders Police were today continuing their investigations into the spitting incident involving Celtic fans and Hearts keeper Craig Gordon near the end of Sunday’s SPL clash.

Two supporters in the visitors’ end were caught on camera spitting at the Gorgie ace as he tried to wrestle the ball from Craig Beattie in front of the Roseburn Stand in the closing seconds of the Jambos’ 1-0 defeat.

Hearts have forwarded their video footage to the police who are now working with the Glasgow club in a bid to identify the culprits.

"The police have the inquiry now and investigations are ongoing," said Hearts security chief Tom Purdie. "Hearts, Celtic and the police are working on the matter."

The spitting shame came at the end of a fiery game which had already been marred by coin-throwing incidents, Celtic keeper Rab Douglas having been struck in the first half and Chris Sutton lucky to escape being hit by another missile in the second period.

"Anybody who throws a coin at a player or spits at a player deserves to be punished," said Hearts boss Craig Levein.

Taken from the Scotsman