Hibs have issued an updated statement in respect of the pitch invasion following the final whistle after Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final victory over Rangers at Hampden Park.
The statement which appears on the club’s website reads: “Police-led criminal inquiry is underway into events at Hibernian’s historic Scottish Cup win over Rangers at the weekend. The Scottish FA has also launched its own Independent Commission. The Club welcomes the announcement of the Commission which should have the widest ranging terms of reference.
“The Independent Commission is to look into all aspects of the staging and management of the Final. That is right and proper. Everyone involved will want to know what lessons can be learned.
“Hibernian FC will co-operate fully with the Independent Commission in every way it can and the Commission must be allowed to run its course and reach its own conclusions without fear or favour.
“Hibernian FC today reiterated: -That the Club is sorry that a number of Hibernian supporters invaded the pitch. Whilst emotions were running high, the Club cannot condone supporters coming onto the field of play.
-That the Club will co-operate fully with all of the relevant authorities to identify supporters involved in behaviour which tarnishes the good name of Hibernian FC.
-In particular, the Club will do everything in its power to bring to book any Hibernian supporters found to have been involved in the most serious allegations of assault – including assaults on the staff or players of Rangers FC
-The Club will take the strongest possible sanctions against any supporters involved in criminal activity or unacceptable behaviour.”
Chairman Rod Petrie said: “It is now clear from various sources that supporters being on the pitch at the end of the match led to acts of violence and disorder.
“I condemn and the Club condemns all of the violence and unacceptable conduct perpetrated on the pitch and elsewhere and in the margins of the match at Hampden. There is absolutely no place for it in the game of football.
“Hibernian will do all that it can to support the criminal investigations to ensure that those who have transgressed face the consequences of their actions.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
