BY TIM PARSONS~
The Scottish Football Association is to conduct a full investigation after the mayhem that followed today’s match between Hibb’s and Ibrox. The SFA said it is “appalled” by scenes of disorder after Hibb’s historic victory over Rangers in the Scottish Cup final.
Scenes of disorder marred a good victory of 3-2 inflicted by the Edinburgh side, Hibb’s against the Ibrox club after a late goal in injury time. Fans spilled on to the pitch after the defeat.
Allegations of assault on staff and players drew condemnation against what was described as “disgraceful behavior of Hibb’s fans”. A day of good football turned into anarchy with several fans committing offenses on the pitch in the full glare of the television cameras. Police Scotland described the behavior of some fans as “totally unacceptable and inexcusable”.
The force said a dedicated investigation team was being set up to identify those involved in acts of disorder and violence. Hibb’s chairman Rod Petrie told BBC Scotland what happened was “deeply disappointing”.
SFA chief executive Stewart Regan said: “Scottish FA is appalled by the scenes of disorder on the field immediately after full time and at the contemptible behavior that ensued.
“What should have been an historic, memorable Scottish Cup final will now, sadly, be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
“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.
Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan said: “Scottish FA is appalled by the scenes of disorder on the field immediately after full time and at the contemptible behavior that ensued.
“What should have been an historic, memorable Scot’s Cup final will now, sadly, be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
“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.”
A late header from David Gray saw Hibernian end their 114-year wait to lift the Scottish Cup. Anthony Stokes scored twice for Hibb’s, with Rangers goals from Kenny Miller and Andy.
Rangers have complained that some of their players and staff had been assaulted by Hibb’s fans as they tried to leave the pitch. The situation was so bad that the team received their runners-up medals in the dressing room.
The stands part of the pitch was ripped up and the goal posts were broken by people climbing on them in embarrassing team. The Scottish Football Association and the police will conduct an investigation that should lead to serious punishments and convictions.
The invasion delayed the presentation of the trophy and there was no lap of honor by the Hibernian players. Football has seen disgraceful scenes in English football over the years, but this sort of melee was unexpected of Scottish fans. Appropriate punishments are expected, including criminal charges from the police when the Scottish Football Association and the police complete their investigation.