Hamilton and Hearts were today bracing themselves for Scottish Football Association sanctions over the tunnel brawl that saw four men sent off in the aftermath of their Clydesdale Bank Premier League game at New Douglas Park.
The SFA confirmed they would "conduct a full investigation" into events which led to at least a dozen players from both sides becoming involved in a melee as they left the field.
Referee David Somers handed the equivalent of red cards to Hearts players Ian Black (insulting and abusive behaviour) and Suso Santana (violent conduct), masseur Alan Robson and unused Hamilton substitute Leon Knight (violent conduct).
Hearts defender Eggert Jonsson was also booked for dissent.
Those sanctions were on top of the dismissals of Jambos captain Michael Stewart and defender Ismael Bouzid during what had already been one of the most controversial games of the season.
The tunnel bust-up was witnessed by Somers' assistant Steven Craven and fourth official Euan Norris, as well as SFA head of administration Richard Simpson.
It was serious enough to warrant police involvement, though Press Association Sport understand there are no plans to issue charges.
The same cannot be said for the SFA, with a spokesperson telling Press Association Sport: "I can confirm that the Scottish FA will conduct a full investigation in to events that occurred in the aftermath of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League game between Hamilton Academical and Heart of Midlothian."
Hearts, who have now received 18 red cards in the last 18 months, will be hit hardest.
They have faced SFA sanctions for the last five seasons over their poor disciplinary record. August saw them issued with a record £50,000 fine, with an additional £10,000 suspended until January.
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