Tensions flared after Alex Cochrane was shoved to the ground following a late challenge
Hearts’ friendly clash with Almeria has been abandoned after an on-field brawl broke out minutes before half-time.
The Jambos have been working up a sweat in the Spanish sunshine as part of their week-long training camp in Costa Del Sol ahead of the Premiership return. Robbie Neilson’s side shipped four to Blackburn Rovers on Friday and were looking to put in a better performance against La Liga side Almeria this morning.
Dyego Sousa put the Spaniards – who sit 14th in their league – ahead just before the half-hour mark before the game was brought to an abrupt halt as tempers flared between both sets of players. Footage shows an Almeria player reacting to Alex Cochrane’s late challenge before the Jambos star is shoved to the deck.
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That sparked a rammy on the pitch as both teams came to blows, with the likes of Lawrence Shankland and Barrie McKay reacting furiously as the game descended into chaos.
Cochrane and Rodrigo Ely were both show red cards following the heated exchange before the friendly was called off by the referee, with Almeria leading 1-0 at the time.
A statement from Hearts confirmed: “Following altercations between both sets of players, the decision has been made to abandon the match. Robbie Neilson will speak to Hearts TV shortly.”
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