Hibernian FC has confirmed that it will co-operate fully into any inquiry into the pitch invasion which followed the club’s historic Scottish Cup win at Hampden Park.
Hundreds of Hibs fans spilled onto the pitch following the final whistle to celebrate the club’s first cup victory since 1902. What appeared to be a spontaneous act of celebration was marred by alleged violent incidents involving both opposition fans and Rangers players before police and stewards restored order on the pitch.
The incident caused the postponement of the medal presentation and there was no lap of honour for the victorious Hibs team.
In a statement issued immediately after the game Rangers said: “Rangers Football Club is shocked at the disgraceful behaviour of Hibs fans at full time.
“Rangers players and staff were assaulted by these fans who invaded the pitch and in the interests of their safety could not return to the pitch for the medal presentation.
“There can be no place for the violent behaviour witnessed at the end of the Final and Rangers fully expect the Scottish Football Association and Police Scotland to launch an investigation to find out where security measures failed.
“The Club would like to commend Rangers fans for the restraint they showed under severe provocation.”
While the vast majority of Rangers fans did indeed show restraint – and many thousands of them left the stadium immediately the final whistle sounded – some did get on to the pitch, and it’s unlikely that they were rushing on to congratulate and shake the hands of their opponents after what was a tremendous cup final – a great advert for Scottish football, indeed.
Speaking after the match, Chief Superintendent Kenny MacDonald said: “Following today’s Scottish Cup Final at Hampden, a significant number of fans ran onto the pitch following the final whistle. Officers, including the Force’s mounted branch, responded and brought the matter under control as quickly as possible.
“We understand that feelings run high at these events and fans want to celebrate their team’s win, however the reckless behaviour of fans entering the pitch is totally unacceptable and inexcusable. This created a significant safety issue.
“This action led to an outbreak of disorder between rival fans on the pitch. A dedicated investigation team is being set up to identify those who have carried out these acts of disorder and violence.”
Among the questions to be asked will be: How were so many spectators able to get on to the pitch? Why did it take stewards quite so long to react?
There will certainly be no shortage of video and picture evidence to help the inquiries along. As well as official footage, it seems almost every fan in the stadium captured the scenes on camera phones.
Scottish FA Chief Executive Stewart Regan has condemned the behaviour of supporters which marred the Scottish Cup Final.
Regan said: “Scottish FA is appalled by the scenes of disorder on the field immediately after full time and at the contemptible behaviour that ensued. What should have been an historic, memorable Scottish Cup final will now, sadly, be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
“Police Scotland and the stadium management initiated a Crisis Liaison Group as soon as the disorder began and we thank them for containing the situation as quickly as possible.
“The Scottish FA, along with Police Scotland and the stadium management have initiated a full investigation into the scenes that unfolded to understand how such a volume of supporters were able to enter the field.”
Hibernian has pledged to work with the authorities. In a statement, the Easter Road club said: “The Club reiterates its regret at the events which unfolded immediately following the final whistle.
“Hibernian always seeks to maintain high standards, and we will work with the authorities to identify any supporter who may have taken part in any form of unacceptable behaviour which has tarnished the club’s reputation.
“Hibernian will work with Police Scotland, Hampden Park Stadium Management, the Scottish FA, Rangers FC and any other relevant parties to bring those responsible to book.”
It would be a real shame if the actions of some over-excited fans – irresponsible as they were – was to deflect attention away from what was an historic Hibernian performance at Hampden yesterday.
Some will now seize on the pitch invasion and subsequent trouble to turn this into yesterday’s major talking point (and coincidentally or otherwise deflect attention away from Hibs’ magnificent achievement).
For real football fans, though, the game itself -and not the unfortunate aftermath – will live long in the memory for all the right reasons.
And Hibs fans will remember it forever.
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