There could be trouble ahead for the club following the attack on Neil Lennon last night at the game with Celtic. The SPL will be asking searching questions over how a fan was able to reach Lennon in the technical area at Tynecastle. SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster confirmed an investigation was launched immediately after the incident, which followed Gary Hooper's second-half goal during Celtic's 3-0 win on Wednesday night. A fan clambered from the main stand on to the trackside and charged towards the Celtic manager, who was on the touchline. A man will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court later in connection with the incident, but the SPL investigation will focus on Hearts' security measures.
Doncaster said: "We'll be focusing on the situation that led to him being able to get access to the perimeter track and that's something we'll be discussing in detail with the home club. The investigation started immediately the incident happened last night. We'll be talking with the SFA and with all the parties involved to investigate it as thoroughly and as speedily as possible."
Any possible sanctions facing Hearts could be influenced by a previous breach of security at their stadium almost exactly two years ago, when Hibs striker Derek Riordan was confronted by supporters on the pitch. Doncaster added: "We'll be certainly talking to both clubs, the police and also to our own match delegate, who witnessed the incident, and taking reports from all of those and investigate it thoroughly. It's absolutely vital that any lessons that need to be learned are learned and we can put them into effect."
The SFA are working with their colleagues at Hampden. SFA chief executive Stewart Regan said in a statement: "In discussions with Neil Doncaster this morning, the Scottish Premier League have confirmed they have initiated an investigation into the unsavoury events at Tynecastle last night. I am also aware that Heart of Midlothian are carrying out their own review of internal security measures at the club and have agreed to co-operate fully with both the police and the football authorities. I reiterate my condemnation of this blight on the image of Scottish football and expect to see robust plans in place to protect players and officials at all times."