Brawl inside tunnel between Accies and Hearts

Dec 10 2009 by Margaret Shaw, Hamilton Advertiser

SUNDAY’S clash between Hamilton and Hearts continued inside the tunnel amid chaotic scenes that saw a number of players and officials hauled inside referee David Somers’s room for further discipline.

A brawl was sparked after the final whistle of the game, which Hamilton won 2-1, and appeared to centre on the whistler’s decision not to award Hearts a late penalty.

After the dust had settled, Hamilton substitute Leon Knight, was given a red card for violent conduct, while Hearts’ Suso Santana was given a similar punishment.

Tynecastle star Ian Black was given a red as was a member of Hearts backroom staff.

Accies secretary Scott Struthers told the club’s website: “As with the statement issued by Hearts I wouldn’t expect anything further to happen. This was all dealt with in the normal manner by the referee, who shall report the offences to the SFA who shall, in turn, confirm the suspensions to the clubs by midweek. I was present throughout and the match officials acted accordingly.”

Striker Knight will be suspended for this weekend’s clash with Aberdeen.

A spokesman for police at Hamilton said they did not intend at this stage to take any action arising from the incidents in the tunnel.

“We are leaving this to the football authorities to deal with,” he added.