Rangers shocked at SFA disciplinary response to cup final pitch invasion

Rangers have declared their "shock" and "incredulity" at the Scottish Football Association's disciplinary response to the William Hill Scottish Cup final pitch invasion.

Both clubs face potential punishments over damaged equipment at Hampden but Rangers have hit out over the lack of action taken over alleged assaults on several of their players.

Thousands of Hibernian fans invaded the Hampden pitch following their late 3-2 triumph on May 21 while Rangers supporters also ran on and fought with some of their rival fans.

A statement from the Ibrox club read: "Rangers' directors are shocked at the charges issued by the Scottish FA's compliance officer in the wake of the pitch invasion at the end of the Scottish Cup final last May.

"It is alarming that the governance of Scottish football is so lacking that it is impossible for the Scottish FA to guarantee the safety of footballers at the country's showpiece event. The SFA is either unwilling or is powerless when it comes to taking the appropriate punitive action against the offenders.

"A number of Rangers players were assaulted by Hibernian supporters in broad daylight on the Hampden surface and a repeat of this must be avoided at all costs. That should have been the priority of the SFA.

"Yet, the governing body insists it is not within its remit to issue any charges let alone punishments for such violent and dangerous misconduct. Instead of player and supporter safety they have placed all their emphasis and importance on the monetary value of a set of goalposts, pieces of turf, and advertising boards.

"Rangers directors will take time to consider an appropriate and more comprehensive response to redress our grievances but for the moment the board fully endorses the incredulity and anger of all Rangers supporters."

SFA compliance officer Tony McGlennan has issued notices of complaint to both clubs, accusing Hibs fans of damaging goalposts, the pitch and the LED advertising system, while Rangers supporters also stand accused of damaging advertising equipment.

But the governing body is restricted in punishments and charges available after clubs rejected moves towards strict liability for fan misbehaviour three years ago.