Tag: Edinburgh Derby

Dogs sport iconic colours ahead of Edinburgh derby

They don’t care what side you support!

As football fans across the city look forward to the Edinburgh Derby tonight on the 27th December, the four-legged residents of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home have donned both teams’ colours. They don’t mind who you support, they would just love to watch by your side.

In 2023, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has seen a record number of requests to surrender pets or access support from their pet foodbanks.

Getting in the matchday spirit, Alfie a 4-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat, Copper a 7-month-old German Shorthaired Pointer, Peter a 12-year-old Lurcher, Lily and Daisy 1.5-year-old Jack Russel x Poodles, and finally Reggie and Ronnie a pair of 8-year-old Jack Russels, have been sporting the famous colours of both Edinburgh teams.

Lindsay Fyffe Jardine, CEO of the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said: “We know how much football means to people across Scotland, ahead of the Edinburgh Derby we wanted to highlight that our residents who are looking for a new home, don’t care who you support, they just want to be by your side.

“This year we have seen a record number of surrender requests as well as a significant increase in the need for pet food bank support. Winter is especially difficult for us, and we are extremely grateful to anyone who can donate towards our winter appeal, or able to give a pet a loving home.”

The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home finds winter an especially difficult season as higher costs drain funds while demand for their vital services increases.

They recently launched a Winter Appeal, seeking donations to enable the Home to cope with the increased demand, continue providing vital support to animals in need and help people to keep their beloved pets at home.

To make a donation and to read more of their life-altering stories please visit: 

www.edch.org.uk/winterappeal 

OR text SURRENDER to 70560 to donate £5.

“Putting” their rivalry aside, Hibs and Hearts legends sign up for inaugural Auld Reekie Cup

All “fore” a good cause – Don’t miss your chance to play in Edinburgh’s exclusive charity golf tournament

It’s a rivalry that has kept football fans on the edge of their stadium seats for almost 150 years – that between Edinburgh’s Hibernian F.C and Heart of Midlothian F.C.

And now that competition is set to hit the golf course as footballing legends from Hibs and Hearts prepare to tee off in an exclusive charity golf tournament. What’s more, local supporters are being offered a unique opportunity to play alongside these football icons as entries into the inaugural Auld Reekie Cup teams officially open to the public.

Taking place on Thursday 26th October at the historic Royal Burgess Golfing Society, the Auld Reekie Cup is set to be a memorable golf day with a difference, featuring friendly competition and banter, with great prizes and bragging rights up for grabs. 

Switching the pitch for the fairway will be fitba stars Scott Brown, Mixu Paatelainen, Steven Whittaker, Derek Riordan, Gordon Hunter, Steven Tweed, Ally McLeod, John Blackley and John Brownlie playing for Hibernian, and Jim Brown, Scott Crabbe, Eammon Bannon and Graeme Shaw playing for Hearts. More big names will be confirmed in the coming days.

And it’s all in aid of a great cause. Thanks to the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation and the Big Hearts Community Trust, all money raised will be used to support projects promoting young people’s mental health.

Speaking ahead of the event, Hanlon Stevenson Foundation Ambassador Paul Demarco said; “Uniting old rivals for a common cause, this charity golf day will bring Hibs and Hearts together on the green to tee up support for young people’s mental health.

“Hanlon Stevenson Foundation are delighted to be working with Big Hearts Community Trust, proving that when it comes to making a positive difference, our shared purpose is stronger than any rivalry.”

Big Hearts Community Trust Chief Executive Craig Wilson added; “We are thrilled to have been asked to be part of this exciting new event alongside The Hanlon Stevenson Foundation which will allow us to support even more young people across Edinburgh.

“We already do a host of work in this area and know the challenges that exist. We hope to have a full team of golfers joining us and our playing legends on what will be a great day at such a historic venue, all for a great cause.”

The Auld Reekie Cup will take place at The Royal Burgess Golfing Society on Thursday 26th October.

Entries into both teams are now open. Teams of 3 plus a playing legend are priced at £900 +VAT. To purchase a ticket for the Hibernian team please email graeme@hanlonstevensonfoundation.co.uk

To purchase a ticket for the Hearts team please email kirsty.coutts@bighearts.org.uk.

Missile warning ahead of today’s Edinburgh derby

Two men, aged 24 and 19, have been arrested and charged in connection with items thrown during a match between Hibernian and Heart of Midlothian in January.

The items were thrown during a match at Easter Road Stadium on Saturday, 22 January.

The men were arrested on Thursday (13 April) and are expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Chief Inspector Murray Tait, policing lead for today’s Edinburgh derby, said: “We take reports of missile throwing at matches very seriously and we work with clubs to identify anyone involved.

“The consequences of being struck by an item thrown from a stand can be severe and such behaviour will not be tolerated by our football clubs or Police Scotland.”

Youth arrested and charged following Edinburgh New Year derby disorder

A 16-year-old male has been arrested and charged with culpable and reckless conduct. It follows a report of objects thrown during the recent Edinburgh football derby at Tynecastle Park on Monday, 2 January, 2023.

The male has been released on an undertaking and is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Chief Inspector David Happs said: “This type of behaviour is unacceptable and I hope this latest arrest sends a clear message that any such conduct will not be tolerated.

“We have the full support of both clubs as we continue with our investigation.”

Hibs and Hearts meet again in a Scottish Cup tie at Easter Road this weekend.

Neilson: It’s all about today

Hearts ‘up for the battle’

Robbie Neilson has told his players to forget the last six weeks because it’s all about winning today’s Edinburgh derby.

Tynecastle plays host to the first meeting of the capital clubs this season, with both sides flying high in the cinch Premiership.

Robbie Neilson, who this week picked up the Scottish Premiership Glen’s Manager of the Month award, knows the match could be a frantic affair but he believes the Jambos have enough experience to handle the occasion and knows the importance of picking up three points.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, he said: “It’s been a good start but what’s happened in the last six weeks doesn’t really matter. It’s all about what happens when it kicks off on Sunday. We need to find a way to win the game.

“It doesn’t matter how you win it, it’s about winning a derby. It’s so important for the fanbase, the club and also for the players and their league position.

“It’ll be 200 miles an hour. It’s about being up for that battle at the start and then having the composure to go and play.

“We’ve got a number of boys that have played in it or played in Dundee or Glasgow derbies so I expect us to be ready for it.”

Robbie Neilson’s press conference can be seen on Hearts TV by clicking here.

Jack Ross revealed that star man Martin Boyle is fit for today’s Edinburgh Derby against Hearts.

The Australian winger went away for the September international break and came off against China, after scoring, which caused some concerns for supporters.

He subsequently missed the Aussie’s next game against Vietnam before returning back to Edinburgh and he went straight back into training.

Jack Ross explained that he wasn’t worried about Boyle’s injury, due to constant communications with the Socceroos: “We knew why Martin came off for Australia and that he wouldn’t play in the second game purely for precaution and not concern.

“We’ve got a good relationship with the Australian National Team, and I think they’ve been sensible with him. There was never any concern. We’ve looked after him today (Friday 10 September) and he’s ready to go on Sunday.

“He’s a match winner for us. He’s done that on a consistent level. You need them in your team. He’s had a feeling of winning and scoring goals at Tynecastle, and he wants that again.”

There’s been a two-week break ahead of this game, but with eight players returning from international duty, and a few knocks to contend with, Jack Ross may have a slight selection headache today.

“Longer-term absentees are Sean Mackie, Melker Hallberg, Christian Doidge and Jamie Murphy.

“Unfortunately, Jamie will be unavailable for a number of weeks due to a hamstring injury. We’ve had better weeks in terms of availability of players etc. and we have some concerns going into the weekend, but it’ll still be a team full of belief, confidence, and will have enough to go on and win that game.”

While Boyle’s availability is a huge boost for Hibs, it’s Hearts ‘twelth man’ that could well be the key ingredient this afternoon. The capital rivals will battle it out in front of a packed Tynecastle – and the noisy home support may just be the difference in this first derby of the season.

Under Pressure: something’s got to give in Edinburgh derby

Tenth vs Twelfth … who could have imagined this at the start of the season?

It’s the derby game neither manager can afford to lose. There’s always added pressure in derby games, but even more so when after five league games Hibs languish in tenth place in the Premiership and Hearts prop up the league on just two points.

And with tough League Cup fixtures coming up in midweek, the pressure’s ramped up ust that little bit higher.

The stakes really couldn’t be much higher for Paul Heckingbottom and Craig Levein – it’s not an exaggaration to say the next two games could well determine the Edinburgh clubs’ seasons – or at least the fate of their managers. Win both, your season’s back on track and the critics are silenced – at least for a wee while. Lose both, and even the most fair-minded fans will be calling for your head.

With both teams out of form, supporters will be looking desperatly for any reasons for optimism. For Hearts, the return of key personnel could be just the lift they need.

Craig Levein confirmed that Joel Pereira, Michael Smith and Steven Naismith should be fit for today’s Edinburgh derby.

The return of the trio eases the manager’s injury list, with Conor Washington joining those on the sidelines after he had surgery on his hamstring through the week.

“We’ve got the likes of Naisy and Michael Smith, who are in rehab mode and they’re getting close to being ready to play. I would expect both of them to be fit for Sunday.

“Joel’s come back up from Manchester United and is feeling good. The problem he had was a thigh strain, so we’ve not done an awful lot of kicking to this point, just to make sure we give him plenty of time to recover. That’ll be the last thing he has to do. If he gets through that, then he will be available as well.”

However, centre back John Souttar has been ruled out.

Christophe Berra thinks that Hearts can take confidence from their performances at Easter Road last season as they head into their first Edinburgh derby of the season.

The Hearts skipper believes there is no better game with which to turn around their fortunes.

“We know it’s a big game. It always is, the derby. There’s a lot of media coverage on it, both teams aren’t doing very well in the league so there’ll be a lot at stake.

“We have got a good squad of players. It’s just about gelling as a team. We are working hard out there and doing our utmost to get that performance and victory first and foremost and build on that with performances.”

Hearts captain Berra played in both games in Leith last season, the highlight being a 1-0 win just before New Year thanks to an Olly Lee wonder strike against the run of play.

“Our last two games we’ve won and we’ve drawn, so we’ll take confidence from that. It is a new season, there’s different demands on both sets of players and it’s always a tough place to go to.

“It’s about us applying our game plan, starting on the front foot and making sure the home fans turn against them, make it a difficult atmosphere for them and make it volatile.”

“Adrenaline will be high. You’ll be up for it – we always are – but it’s live on telly, away to your biggest rivals. Playing at Easter Road is always good. I don’t know what kind of atmosphere it will be. It’s a good game to have – as long as you’re coming out on the winning side.”

For Hibs, this would be the perfect fixture to return to winning ways – but to that they need to recapture the ability to score.

Hibs’ last two performances have been insipid – and goalless. Fans will be hoping the return to Easter Road and a full house against their oldest rivals will be enough to galvanise their favourites into a level of performance that has been sadly lacking this season.

While it’s unlikely to be a game of flowing football – derbies seldom are – there will be no shortage of incidents and talking points. Like their bosses, the players will be feeling the pressure – and it’s those who can handle the pressure best who will triumph on the day.

With so much at stake, both managers would probably settle for a point. As ever, though, the diehard fans of both clubs will be looking for a lot more. Pressure, what pressure?

Capital braced for last derby of the season

Hibs meet Hearts for the second time in three weeks today at Easter Road. The capital pair clashed at Tynecastle earlier this month with the visitors picking up a welcome victory, coming from behind to triumph 2 -1 thanks to a Daryl Horgan double.

Hibs have enjoyed a tremendous run since coach Paul Heckingbottom replaced Neil Lennon in February. The Easter Road men have gone nine games without loss in the Premiership, their only defeat under their new boss coming in a disappointing Scottish Cup tie with Celtic, Hearts cup final opponents.

The Hibees have no new injury problems ahead of today’s clash and are looking to extend their unbeaten run. They currently sit three points above their city rivals in the league table and, with a superior goal difference, victory would almost assure Hibs of finishing the season above Hearts – something that would have seemed very unlikely a few short months ago. There’s even a possibility of another European campaign should Hibs secure a fourth place finish.

Given their blistering start to the league campaign, it’s been a sorely disappointing season down Gorgie way. A series of injuries to key players has taken it’s toll and the Tynecastle men have struggled to find consistency. It’s been a season to forget for Hearts supporters – unless, of course, Hearts lift the Scottish Cup next month when all will surely be forgiven!

Craig Levein hopes to have the services of Sean Clare for today’s Edinburgh derby but admits Peter Haring won’t make it in time.

Clare was a late casualty ahead of the Jambos Ladbrokes Premiership defeat to Rangers last week, pulling out of the starting XI during the warm up.

The midfielder has trained this week and could be in contention for an appearance at Easter Road today, but the manager has revealed that Haring will be absent for the final capital clash of the season though he should be fine for the remainder of the campaign.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Craig Levein said: “Peter had an injection this week. He’ll miss this weekend and all being well he’ll be available for the rest of the matches.

“Sean’s better. He’s trained this week. Clevid (Dikamona) is better. He’s been training and I consider him back in the frame as well. He’s obviously building his fitness up but he’s injury free, which is good.”

The manager isn’t expecting too many differences in the way the teams will approach the game, but he points to the December win at Easter Road – courtesy of Olly Lee’s superb strike – as evidence that the men in maroon have what it takes to regain the city’s bragging rights.

“I go into this game with the same feelings I have with these matches all the time, which is one of excitement,” he said. “We need to do what we do and we need to do it with a calmness that allows us to think clearly during the match and that will help us to win.

“You don’t have to go back too far to see us winning at Easter Road. If we do manage to get a victory then it’ll be the first time in 22 years or something that we’ve gone down there twice and got all six points.

“I’m going into this game hugely positive. Our supporters are rightly angry if we don’t play well and if we do play well then they’re happy. This is a game that is as pure and simple as that.”

Pure and simple? Hearts may have one eye on that Cup Final, but their fans will not forgive them for a below-par performance against their oldest rivals today. In this particular fixture, the result is more important than playing well; the best team on the day doesn’t always win. It’s seldom an occasion for silky skills and the team with the bigger hearts are likely to prevail. Who wants it more?

The game kicks off at 12.15pm.

 

Tynecastle hate crime: man charged

Police in Edinburgh can confirm that a 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a hate crime at Tynecastle Stadium.

The incident happened on Saturday, April 6, and was reported to police on Monday, April 8.

The man will appear at court at a later date.

Inspector Kieran Dougal of Wester Hailes Police Station said:  “These crimes are committed by a small minority intent on ruining a great atmosphere. Thankfully these types of incidents are very rare and are not a reflection vast majority of fans who attend football matches.

“However in order to protect everyone, we need all hate crimes to be reported to us.  If you have been a victim of a hate crime you can report this to Police Scotland via 101.

“Alternatively you can report a hate crime through a third party.  More details can be found on the Police Scotland website.”