Hibs brand ugly pitch invasion 'unacceptable' as cup glory is spoiled amid investigation

Posted Monday, May 23, 2016 by Express.co.uk

Hibs brand ugly pitch invasion 'unacceptable' as cup glory is spoiled amid investigation
The Hampden Park was damaged after fans invaded the field following Hibs' cup final victory

HIBERNIAN have vowed to co-operate with investigations into the crowd trouble which marred their first Scottish Cup triumph for 114 years.

Several Rangers players were assaulted as thousands of Hibernian fans ran on to the Hampden pitch following their dramatic 3-2 triumph.

Footage showed Lee Wallace being punched and goalkeeper Wes Foderingham attacked as the celebratory pitch invasion turned ugly.

Dozens of Rangers fans also came on to the pitch and fights broke out between rival supporters, while Hibs fans broke one of the goalposts and ripped up sections of the Hampden turf.

Hibs chairman Rod Petrie, who is the vice-president of the SFA, put the scenes down to "over-exuberance" in the immediate aftermath and described them as "unacceptable".

A club statement later confirmed Hibs would "co-operate fully into any inquiry into the pitch invasion which followed the club's historic Scottish Cup win at Hampden Park".

It added: "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."

Rangers players were handed their medals in the dressing room, while Hibs players had a long wait to lift the trophy after the pitch was cleared, and the lap of honour had to be cancelled.

The SFA, along with Police Scotland and stadium managers, have launched an investigation into some of the worst scenes of violence seen inside a Scottish football ground since the 1980 final, when Celtic and Rangers fans battled on the Hampden pitch. The Scottish Government is "liasing closely" with the inquiry.

Rangers said they were shocked at the "disgraceful" behaviour of Hibs fans and left the stadium without giving any interviews.