Hearts and Hamilton set for SFA hammering

HEARTS and Hamilton were today bracing themselves for SFA sanctions over the tunnel brawl that saw four men sent off in the aftermath of their SPL clash at New Douglas Park.

The SFA confirmed they would “conduct a full investigation” into events which led to at least a dozen players from both sides becoming involved in a melee as they left the field.

Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo claimed he had never witnessed such ugly scenes during his time as a manager.

“I was never involved in a worse finish than this in all my career,” he said.

“Even in the tunnel, I came in and I was pushed left and right.”

Referee David Somers handed the equivalent of red cards to Hearts players Ian Black (insulting and abusive behaviour) and Suso Santana (violent conduct), masseur Alan Robson and unused Hamilton substitute Leon Knight (violent conduct).

Hearts defender Eggert Jonsson was also booked for dissent.

Those sanctions were on top of the dismissals of Jambos captain Michael Stewart and defender Ismael Bouzid during what had already been one of the most controversial games of the season.

Accies had taken the lead through James MacArthur, before Simon Mensing doubled the home’s sides advantage.

Hearts hit back with an Jonsson strike before Stewart and Bouzid were ordered off.

The tunnel bust-up that followed the match was witnessed by Somers’ assistant Steven Craven and fourth official Euan Norris, as well as SFA head of administration Richard Simpson.

Hearts have now received 18 red cards in the last 18 months.

An SFA spokesperson said: “I can confirm that the Scottish FA will conduct a full investigation in to events that occurred in the aftermath of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League game between Hamilton Academical and Heart of Midlothian.”