Hearts, who have said they are "cooperating fully" with police, announced on Sunday they were taking action.

Owner Ann Budge told BBC Scotland: ""This behaviour will not be tolerated.

"The individuals involved have already been identified and have received immediate and indefinite bans.

"I'm so very disappointed that instead of being able to enjoy a good victory and staying at the top end of the table I'm having to comment on the entirely unacceptable behaviour of a minority of supporters."

A police spokesman said: "Police Scotland can confirm that two subjects were arrested at the Hearts v Motherwell match."

Hearts won the match courtesy of a Peter Haring header in the 14th minute. It was their first victory in eight games and they were made to work hard for it by a determined Motherwell side.

Monterwell boss Stephen Robinson said: "I take heart from the application and desire and quality from the players at a difficult place to come."

Hearts were expertly marshalled by captain Christophe Berra, who only returned a week earlier following four months out with a hamstring injury, and manager Craig Levein was impressed with the Scotland international's performance.

Levein , whose side remain three points adrift of Ladbrokes Premiership leaders Celtic, said: "Christophe is a bit tired, as you can imagine after being out that period of time then playing three games a week.

"We didn't plan on that happening but Jimmy Dunne got injured and that scuppered any plans I had to rest him.

"I would've had to if he'd insisted that he had a problem but he's a warrior. He epitomised everything that everyone thinks he is on Saturday.

"He rolled his sleeves up defended manfully and I was really pleased for him."

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