'We were 10 minutes away – we were counting down' Hearts fans devastated but proud after epic season

Heart of Midlothian went from outsiders last August to establishing a firm grip on the top of the premiership throughout a quite incredible title race. And they turned up at Celtic Park yesterday knowing that avoiding defeat would ensure the trophy would be coming home to Gorgie.

For so much of the game it looked like that was exactly what would happen. With the match finely balanced at 1-1, they just needed to hold out. One last push, one final upsetting of the odds, cheered on by the hundreds allowed into the away end in the East End of Glasgow - and the roar of tens of thousands back home along the M8.

And then. Devastation. Late goals by Daizen Maeda and then substitute Callum Osmand ensured the title would be going to Celtic again.

Ugly scenes marred the end of the match as Celtic fans invaded the pitch, with the shattered Hearts players having to be escorted down the tunnel to safety, and straight on to the team bus.

Back in Edinburgh, the fans who had packed out pubs in Tynecastle since early morning moved to Tynecastle to welcome the team home. Defeated at the death, but bursting with pride.

Hans-Peter Hauck had travelled from his home near Frankfurt in order to watch the game. He said the result was “not good, it’s heartbreaking”.

He said: “I’m still glad I came, it’s a great experience.”

Read more Watch video of Celtic Park chaos as Hearts get a Police escort out of Glasgow after pitch invasion

Colin Hyson, a lifelong hearts fan, was among a capacity crowd at The Athletic Arms, a Heart-supporting pub also known as The Diggers.

The 36-year-old said many Jambos fans would be angry at recent refereeing decisions.

He said: “We are better than them (Celtic), the league was won not by results but by decisions.”

He said fans felt “gutted, disappointed, distraught – hopefully when the dust settles we can look forward to the next season.”

Matt Cronin, 30, a lifelong Hearts supporter from Edinburgh, said the atmosphere in the pub he was in felt “electric” when his side scored in the first half.

He said: “It’s crushing the way that you lose it.

“The fact that we were 10 minutes away – the whole time we were there we were counting down.

“To lose it the way we did, it’s frustrating, but nothing can take away from what’s been an incredible season.”

And John Connolly, 56, said he was looking forward to next season.

He said: “The result is the result – but revenge is sweet.

“Sorry Celtic fans, but we’ll be back.”

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost was among those to comment after the full time whitle.

He described the defeat as “truly heart-breaking” but hailed the cub for the “joy, excitement and inspiration” it had brought during the season.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “On behalf of the city, I want to pass on my commiserations to everyone at Heart of Midlothian FC, the players, their fans and everyone who has been rooting for the team during this incredible season.

“The players gave absolutely everything at Celtic Park this afternoon and to lose so late in the game was truly heart-breaking.

“The club has had such a great campaign, bringing so much joy, excitement and inspiration to their fans and to the wider community. They really have been the ‘talk of the toon’ and in recent weeks the buzz in and around Gorgie has been palpable.

“The players’ hard work and spirit has been something to behold and, despite today’s disappointment, I’m sure this will stand them in good stead for next season.”

And dedicated Jambo, Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray, said that he “could not be prouder” of the team.

Mr Murray, who chaired the Foundation of Hearts bid by fans to buy the club out of administration, posted on social media: “I couldn’t be prouder of Hearts. 12 years ago we’d gone. A footnote in Scottish football history like 3rd Lanark. I recall smashing a glass off the wall by being told @JamTarts were dead. I wouldn’t let that happen. Today, well, make your own mind up but wow. HHGH.”