Tunnel brawl overshadows Hamilton´s win over Hearts

Hamilton’s 2-1 victory over nine-man Hearts in the Scottish Premier League on Sunday was marred by a tunnel brawl which appears to have resulted in three players and a masseur being sent off after the final whistle.

Official confirmation of the four dismissals was still to be provided an hour after full-time at New Douglas Park, but Hearts had already seen captain Michael Stewart and defender Ismael Bouzid dismissed during the game itself.

Stewart received his marching orders just after the break for lashing out at Alex Neil, then Bouzid was shown a second yellow card with nine minutes remaining after he brought down James Wesolowski.

The bad blood spilled over into the tunnel, with Hamilton confirming substitute striker Leon Knight had been sent off for violent conduct.

Hearts believe midfielder Ian Black, winger Suso Santana and masseur Alan Robson were also all dismissed by referee David Somers, with Eggert Jonsson cautioned for dissent.

The incident was serious enough to warrant police involvement, although it is believed there are no plans to issue charges.

Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo insisted he did not see what started the bust-up but claims he became involved in trying to separate the players.

“I cannot accuse the Hamilton players and I cannot accuse my players if I didn’t see anything,” he said.

“I came between them and I tried to push some Hamilton players and my players away. I was pushed left and right. Afterwards, came the referee and everything was finished.

“You are always upset if something happens and your players are involved.

“You must think that the players are human and for 95 minutes they tried their best to get something out of the game.

“In defence of my players, the adrenaline was somewhere over their heads. A word or provocation maybe can spark an explosion.”

Hamilton boss Billy Reid added: “I was actually out shaking everybody’s hand at the end of the game. Then I heard a scuffle, or whatever it may be, in the tunnel. I came in and guys were holding each other.

“I’ve seen that a lot in Scotland. It shouldn’t happen. I fully understand that but we’re passionate guys and whatever happens happens.”

Hearts could be in trouble with the Scottish Football Association (SFA) again over their poor discipline. The Edinburgh club were hit with a record 50,000 pounds fine in August after they had 11 players sent off last season and the SFA confirmed that they will investigate the incident.

Goals from James McArthur, his first for 12 months, and Simon Mensing put Hamilton in control before Jonsson pulled one back for Hearts.

Hamilton’s win was their first at home for almost three months, moving them level with Hearts and five points clear of rock-bottom Falkirk.