Independent Commission to investigate circumstances of Hampden disorder

The Scottish football authorities have appointed an independent commission to investigate the circumstances following Hibs’ historic Scottish Cup win over Rangers on Saturday.

With the score level at 2-2 going into injury time, Hibs’ skipper David Gray headed the winner sparking incredible scenes in the east and north stand. when the referee blew for full time moments later thousands of delirious Hibs’ fans ran onto the pitch to celebrate. Unfortunately a minority provoked the Rangers’ fans who also entered the field and there were several fights. During the disturbance, former Hearts’ defender Lee Wallace was assaulted and goalkeeper Wes Foderingham was jostled as he was leaving the pitch.

Following complaints by Rangers who demanded an independent enquiry, SFA Chief Executive Stewart Regan said yesterday: “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.”