The Scottish Football Association has confirmed it is to set up an Independent Commission to investigate the disorder that marred Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final at Hampden.
In a statement the sports governing body said: “The Scottish FA has today initiated the process of appointing an Independent Commission to investigate the circumstances of Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final disorder.
“A chairperson will be appointed in early course and the commission’s remit will be to review all operational matters relating to the event hosting of the final. It will be convened to analyse the processes and protocols undertaken in the staging of the match and I would encourage all relevant stakeholders to contribute to it.
“In the interests of transparency, the commission’s findings will also be published in full.
“In addition, the Scottish FA’s Compliance Officer has also started the process of investigating potential rule breaches from a football regulatory perspective. It should be pointed out that as the cup final is now subject to a criminal investigation by Police Scotland, we will share all information gleaned so far with them.
“I have also instructed the compilation of a comprehensive report from all our internal group functions at Hampden Park to establish a full picture of the events of the weekend. The contents of this report will be made available to the commission.
“I am keen that the Scottish FA is proactive in the investigations with the police authorities and the Independent Commission. In the meantime, I would urge all parties involved in the ongoing situation to demonstrate calmness, clarity of thought and responsibility as we proceed towards a satisfactory conclusion.”
Hibernian FC has welcomed the announcement. In a statement issued last night the Easter Road club said:
“A Police-led criminal inquiry is underway into events at Hibernian’s historic Scottish Cup win over Rangers at the weekend. The Scottish FA has also launched its own Independent Commission. The Club welcomes the announcement of the Commission which should have the widest ranging terms of reference.
“The Independent Commission is to look into all aspects of the staging and management of the Final. That is right and proper. Everyone involved will want to know what lessons can be learned.
Hibernian FC will co-operate fully with the Independent Commission in every way it can and the Commission must be allowed to run its course and reach its own conclusions without fear or favour.
Hibernian FC today reiterated:
-That the Club is sorry that a number of Hibernian supporters invaded the pitch. Whilst emotions were running high, the Club cannot condone supporters coming onto the field of play.
-That the Club will co-operate fully with all of the relevant authorities to identify supporters involved in behaviour which tarnishes the good name of Hibernian FC.
-In particular, the Club will do everything in its power to bring to book any Hibernian supporters found to have been involved in the most serious allegations of assault – including assaults on the staff or players of Rangers FC
-The Club will take the strongest possible sanctions against any supporters involved in criminal activity or unacceptable behaviour
Chairman Rod Petrie said: “It is now clear from various sources that supporters being on the pitch at the end of the match led to acts of violence and disorder.
“I condemn and the Club condemns all of the violence and unacceptable conduct perpetrated on the pitch and elsewhere and in the margins of the match at Hampden. There is absolutely no place for it in the game of football.
“Hibernian will do all that it can to support the criminal investigations to ensure that those who have transgressed face the consequences of their actions.”
Incidentally there is absolutely no truth in the rumour that eminent Scottish advocate Donald Findlay QC is to chair the commission …
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