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Hibernian condemn Scottish Cup final fan disorder

Hibernian chairman Rod Petrie (right) has condemned the actions of fans who invaded the pitch at Hampden on Saturday
Image: Hibernian chairman Rod Petrie (right) has condemned the actions of fans who invaded the pitch at Hampden on Saturday

Hibernian have condemned the fans who invaded the pitch after Saturday's Scottish Cup final and vowed to take the strongest action possible against those guilty of attacking Rangers' players and staff.

The Easter Road club issued a statement on Monday evening after the Scottish Football Association said it was commissioning an independent review into events after the final whistle.

Several thousand Hibs supporters flooded onto the pitch following their 3-2 win and a number of Rangers players and staff were assaulted and injured.

Three of them - captain Lee Wallace, goalscorer Andy Halliday and midfielder Jason Holt - are understood to have required medical attention.

Hibs chairman Rod Petrie - also the vice-president of the SFA - drew criticism for initially putting what happened down to 'over exuberance' at winning the trophy for the first time in 114 years.

But in the statement, he 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.

Rangers v Hibernian - William Hill Scottish Cup Final
Image: Police on horses intervene after fans flooded on to the pitch at the full-time whistle

"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.

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"There is absolutely no place for it in the game of football. Hibernian will do all it can to support the criminal investigations to ensure those who have transgressed face the consequences of their actions."

Hibs' statement outlined a number of points after welcoming the announcement of the SFA's commission.

It read: 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.

Rangers v Hibernian - William Hill Scottish Cup Final
Image: A total of 11 arrests were made over the weekend but more are expected

"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.

"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.

"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.

Police line the pitch at full-time after a fan invasion
Image: Police line the pitch to keep rival fans apart

"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." 

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