Raging Steven Naismith tears into Hibs thugs who 'crossed a line' with missile throwing in Hearts clash

Angry Steven Naismith insists players will put up with abuse from the stands – but lobbing dangerous weapons is way over the line.

The Hearts boss revealed defender Frankie Kent is out of Sunday's clash with Celtic and facing at least a fortnight on the sidelines. But he’s relieved Lawrence Shankland hasn’t suffered serious injury after the shameful scenes in Wednesday’s derby draw. The Jambos frontman was bombarded by missiles – including a bladed bottle opener that was perilously close to catching the Scotland star.

Naismith said: “That’s the line, I think it’s gone a wee bit too far. The banter, the abuse - players giving it back to the crowd, that is part of the game. People can get badly injured and it’s too much. We’re fortunate that the stadium is brilliant, it’s close to the pitch and it’s intense and creates a great atmosphere but it’s not worth it if it’s putting players’ safety at risk.

“That is not acceptable. It’s a great derby in Edinburgh, two passionate crowds. I understand it’s a derby and there is adrenaline running but there is a line you don’t cross, or else it won’t last.

“I think a line was crossed with some of the stuff that was thrown. I’ve played in a game where a player has been hit by a coin in the face and the damage these things can do is not nice. Hopefully we move on from it and there is no repeat.”

Naismith admitted losing Kent was a blow as his side look to complete a league double over Celts. He said: “Frankie had a scan and it will be a couple of weeks, which is disappointing but it’s much better than what the outcomes could have been, The crutches and brace are more just precaution. It’s something we need to deal with.”

Naismith insisted Hearts will take confidence from the victory at