Hearts set to hammer guilty fans

HEARTS officials spent the weekend poring over CCTV footage of Saturday's match with Rangers in an attempt to identify those responsible for throwing missiles in the aftermath of the winning goal.

Stadium and security manager Keith Hogg has gathered police and stewards' reports of events following Steven Naismith's stoppage-time strike but video footage is key to the club's investigation.

Anyone guilty will be banned from Tynecastle for life, although that may not be sufficient to prevent the club incurring punishment from the Scottish Football Association.

Assistant referee Willie Conquer was struck as cigarette lighters, coins, cups and a plastic bottle rained down on celebrating Rangers players from the front of Tynecastle's main stand following Naismith's winner in Rangers' 2-1 victory.

Conquer complained to referee Craig Thomson about the incident, which has been included in the official's match report. SPL delegate Willie McDougall has also mentioned the unsavoury actions in his submission to the league's governing body.

Hearts instantly released a statement after the final whistle condemning the minority who hurled objects on to the field. "This is an utterly unacceptable situation and Hearts will pursue those who have let the good name of the club down. We will take very strong action," said a club spokesperson. Hearts had led for a vast majority of the match following Rudi Skacel's 12th-minute opening goal, his first since returning to the club. However, Kyle Lafferty's 79th-minute free-kick brought an equaliser before Naismith's decisive late strike.

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