Police Scotland is requesting fans attending tonight’s Edinburgh derby do so in a responsible manner. The game kicks off at 7.45pm with a capacity crowd expected at Easter Road.
Police Scotland will have a number of officers and specialist resources in and around the stadium and across the city on match day to assist both football clubs and stewards in ensuring the safety of all those attending the game.
Chief Inspector David Happs, Event Police Lead, said: “The Edinburgh derby is one of the most exciting and popular fixtures in the Scottish football calendar. A capacity crowd is expected with more watching from home.
“We want both sets of fans to enjoy the game safely and in the proper spirit. It is essential that supporters act in a responsible manner and do not put themselves or others at risk.
“As such any flare, firework or any controlled container or bottle which could cause harm if thrown, is strictly forbidden from the ground. Items such as flares or smoke devices are dangerous and can endanger your own and others’ safety.
“It is illegal to enter or even attempt to enter the stadium with them so if you are found to be in possession of any prohibited items you are likely to be arrested, face prosecution and a football banning order.
“Criminality will not be tolerated and we will work with both football clubs to identify any person involved.
“There will be a high visibility police presence at the turnstiles to support the steward search operation of those persons entering the stadium. Anyone trying to get into the stadium whilst drunk will not see the game and may also face arrest and prosecution.
“Turnstiles open at 6.45pm and I would encourage spectators to arrive early at the stadium. Enjoy the game and please check the club websites for further details about stadium access and the ground rules.”
Hearts supporters not making the trip across the city can watch the game in the Eighteen74 fans’ bar at Tynecastle.
Tickets will once again include a welcome drink and half-time pie. Tickets are priced at £5 and a cash bar will be open throughout. Special guest speakers Henry Smith and Walter Kidd will be on hand for pre and post-match analysis and interviews.
The Eighteen74 fans’ bar will be open at 5pm with the event starting at 6:30pm.
CLICK HERE to book tickets online
Both Hibs and Hearts go into the derby on the back of Scottish Cup wins. Hibs gave their most impressive performance of the season when they swept away John Robertson’s Inverness Caley Thistle on Friday evening, with their five goals scored by five different scorers.
While Hibs victory was universally expected, Hearts win over Rangers decidely was not. While the Tynecastle side remains deep in the mire at the foot of the Premiership table, the Gorgie men put their league form behind them with a well-deserved 1 – 0 victory – setting up a mouth-watering all-Edinburgh Cup semi-final in the process.
Emphatic victory for either side tonight would see them going into the cup game with a psychological edge, but despite the gulf in their respective league positions this is likely to be a typically tight derby.
Hibs go into the game on a high and, should they reproduce their Friday form their pace will pose a severe threat to a jittery Hearts rearguard. However Hibs fans won’t need reminding that their heroes have often outplayed their city rivals in recent years – only to end up wondering how they managed to lose!
Rock bottom of the league and two points adrift of nearest team Hamilton, this is a game Hearts really can’t afford to lose. Saturday’s cup result was a huge boost for the beleaguered outfit, but they now need to carry this renewed appetite into their league form – and what better game to show that continued improvement than against their oldest rivals?
Hearts coach Daniel Stendel has urged his players to build on their performance against Rangers when they face Hibs in Leith tonight.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s Derby, the German was clear in terms of what will be required of his men on the night.
“The Rangers result was good for everyone; the team, the staff, the supporters. I told the players to enjoy this moment but on Sunday morning the only thing in our head was Hibs,” he said.
“We focused heavily on our defensive work in recent weeks. There was a big improvement against Rangers. Our problems haven’t been about high press or no press, it’s been about discipline and concentration. The biggest thing for me about the Rangers game was how good our discipline was and this must be the case against Hibs as well.”
“We need the same attitude, mentality and quality in our game in order to win the points at Easter Road.
“We have done everything we can to be as prepared as possible. The league is so important and of course it’s against Hibs. My first game against them was not so successful and I hope the second one is better.”
First goal – should there be one – could prove to be crucial.
Not got a ticket? There are some still available and the game is also live on the BT Sport channel.
Hibernian Football Club HeartofMidlothianFC
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