Hearts v Celtic: Police descend on Tynecastle as fans clash ahead of Premiership match

It is understood that a number of arrests have been made outside the ground ahead of the match between Hearts and Celtic – scheduled to kick off at 8pm.

Footage posted on social media shows rival fans kicking and punching one another, while police try to separate them.

Under new Scottish Premiership rules, the opening game of the season at Tynecastle was only meant to be attended by a selection of the home side’s season-ticket holders.

But alongside some 5,200 Hearts spectators, a large number of ticketless Celtic fans have also gathered outside the stadium.

Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.

Updates to follow.

A message from the Editor:

Police intervene as supporters clash during a cinch Premiership match between Hearts and Celtic at Tynecastle Park , on July 31, 2021, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.