BBC Presenter Martin Geissler Condemns Hearts Fans Over “Excruciating and Humiliating” Sectarian Chanting

BBC Scotland presenter Martin Geissler has criticised sections of the Hearts support following alleged sectarian chanting during the Edinburgh club’s visit to Celtic Park.

Geissler, a self-confessed Hearts supporter, took to social media to express his disappointment at the behaviour of some travelling fans, describing the experience as both “excruciating and humiliating”.

The BBC News anchorman, who was present at the match, made clear that he remained proud of his lifelong association with Hearts but insisted that the reported chanting had no place among the club’s supporters.

Writing on social media, Geissler said: “Some grim songs coming out of the Hearts support today. I was there, it was excruciating and humiliating.

“A small, small section of our support as a whole but vocal and well represented today.

“Proud to support the club I’ve always loved but get that stuff out. It’s awful.”

His comments represent a strong condemnation from within the Hearts support, with Geissler making clear that his affection for the club does not mean he is prepared to overlook behaviour he considers unacceptable.

The controversy came on a day when Celtic paid tribute to former winger Johnny Doyle, who died in an accident at his home in 1981. The pre-match remembrance provided a poignant moment for the home support, making the reported sectarian chanting particularly unwelcome.

Geissler’s intervention has added to the debate surrounding sectarianism in Scottish football and the responsibility of supporters to challenge such behaviour within their own ranks.

While he stressed that those involved represented only a small section of the wider Hearts support, he argued that their vocal presence had a damaging effect on the club’s image.

Celtic respond with emphatic 7-1 victory

On the pitch, Celtic produced a remarkable performance to defeat Hearts 7-1 at Celtic Park, echoing the famous scoreline from the 1957 League Cup final.

The result provided a memorable afternoon for the home side, who celebrated a significant historical anniversary with an emphatic victory over their Edinburgh visitors.

The scale of Celtic’s win overshadowed the controversy surrounding the visiting support, with sections of the Hearts contingent reportedly leaving before half-time as the hosts extended their advantage.

For Geissler, however, the issue extended beyond the result. His message was directed at the conduct of fellow Hearts supporters and the need to eliminate sectarian chanting from the game.

His criticism also highlighted the importance of supporters challenging unacceptable behaviour regardless of their allegiance.

The BBC presenter made it clear that he remained proud to follow Hearts, but his remarks left little doubt about his view of the scenes he witnessed at Celtic Park.

The incident has once again placed the issue of sectarianism in Scottish football under scrutiny, with Geissler urging those responsible to put an end to behaviour he described as awful.