A mid-season friendly between Hearts and Spanish side Almería was abandoned in the first half following on-pitch altercations involving the two sets of players. The score was 1-0 to the Spanish side when a late challenge from Alex Cochrane on an Almería defender, caused his opponent to push back before teammates from both sides joined the melee. Cochrane was sent off alongside Almería’s Rodrigo Ely following their involvement. The coaching staff became involved while the match officials tried to calm the situation, although a truce could not be reached and it was decided to curtail proceedings in Marbella. Hearts tweeted: “Following altercations between both sets of players, the decision has been made to abandon the match.”