Scottish FA investigate cup final trouble after fans invade pitch

Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan said a full investigation would be carried out after trouble marred the end of Hibernian's Scottish Cup final win over Rangers.

Shortly after Hibs had ended a 114-year wait to lift the trophy, thousands of their fans streamed on to the pitch at the final whistle at Hampden Park and fighting broke out when some Rangers fans then got past stewards.

Police horses were eventually brought on to restore order as police and stewards struggled to cope.

Hibs won the match 3-2 with a David Gray goal in injury time.

Rangers players appeared to be goaded by Hibs supporters as they tried to leave the pitch.

Hampden officials said the players would not return to the stand to collect their runners-up medals, receiving them in the changing room instead.

Police horses were last needed on the pitch at the 1980 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers.

As Hibs fans returned to the stands, part of the pitch was ripped up and the goal posts were broken by people climbing on them.

Rangers said some of their players and staff were assaulted, and Regan condemned the behaviour.

He said: "The Scottish FA is appalled by the scenes of disorder on the field immediately after full-time and at the contemptible behaviour that ensued. What should have been an historic, memorable Scottish Cup final will now, sadly, be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

"Police Scotland and the stadium management initiated a Crisis Liaison Group as soon as the disorder began and we thank them for containing the situation as quickly as possible.

"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."

In a statement, Rangers said: "Rangers Football Club is shocked at the disgraceful behaviour of Hibs fans at full time.

"Rangers players and staff were assaulted by these fans who invaded the pitch and in the interests of their safety could not return to the pitch for the medal presentation.

"There can be no place for the violent behaviour witnessed at the end of the final and Rangers fully expect the Scottish Football Association and Police Scotland to launch an investigation to find out where security measures failed.

"The club would like to commend Rangers fans for the restraint the showed under severe provocation."

Hibs chairman and SFA President Rod Petrie said: "I don't think it was going to be calamitous.

"I think the police and steward and everyone at Hampden Park deserve great credit for the manner in which they dealt with the situation at the end. One-hundred-and-fourteen years of exuberance, it meant that we had to wait a bit longer for the presentation.

"I was deeply disappointed when it happened.

"I am not playing anything down anything that has happened, what happened was a team won the cup and the over exuberance of a number of supporters took them on to the pitch which is unacceptable and I am sorry it happened and it had to be dealt with but I think was dealt with in a professional manner."

On claims of assault of Rangers players and staff he said: "I am not aware of a complaint but if something has happened to a player or member of staff, that is a very serious matter and we will co-operate fully.

"I am very sorry that the Rangers players felt they were unable to come back out and receive their medals.

"I fully expect there will be a detailed examination of what has happened to learn the lessons and we are ready to contribute to that.

You could call it disappointment, embarrassment, I wish it hadn't happened and I don't think it will reflect well on the game."

Asked if he thought it had been a perilous situation, Petrie said: "It is perhaps an exaggeration but I am happy to participate with the SFA on a review of what happened. "

Petrie refused to admit that if Rangers players and staff were proved to have been attacked by Hibs fans, it could be termed disgraceful.

He said: "If that is what has happened that is unacceptable and anyone who can be identified will be punished.

"You say it is disgraceful I say it is unacceptable, we don't condone it in any manner. Fighting on a football pitch is unacceptable, absolutely."

Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Kenny MacDonald said in a statement: "Following today's Scottish Cup Final at Hampden, a significant number of fans ran onto the pitch following the final whistle. Officers, including the Force's mounted branch, responded and brought the matter under control as quickly as possible.

"We understand that feelings run high at these events and fans want to celebrate their team's win, however the reckless behaviour of fans entering the pitch is totally unacceptable and inexcusable. This created a significant safety issue.

"This action led to an outbreak of disorder between rival fans on the pitch. A dedicated investigation team is being set up to identify those who have carried out these acts of disorder and violence."

Regan held a short press conference before a meeting with the police and stadium management team about the events and said: "It is truly shocking, appalling to see fans on the pitch in the way that they were.

"The damage that has been caused and the disruption to what has been a fantastic football match has taken the gloss off what should have been a memorable occasion for Hibernian.

"We are all really disappointed, very upset, very shocked about.

"It is difficult to try to jump to a conclusion to what could have been done, we had 1,000 police and stewards here today.

"The Hampden Park management team and Police Scotland have worked together to put in place all provisions for a Category C, IR match (Increased Risk), the risk rating was raised at the request of the police.

"We now need to review what has happened and we will be identifying what has happened and where the responsibility lies."