Hibs launch probe into security

DAVID HARDIE

A MAJOR probe was underway today into how a fan managed to get onto the pitch at Easter Road and appeared to run towards referee Stuart Dougal during Hibs 1-0 victory over arch-rivals, Hearts.

Police, stewards and club officials will sit down to discuss not only that incident but a mini pitch invasion at the final whistle.

Hibs have promised "appropriate action" against the individual who apparently ran from the disabled area towards Dougal as he headed for the tunnel at half-time, the referee having incensed the home fans by sending off Easter Road star Grant Brebner eight minutes before the interval.

A 38-year-old man was expected to appear in Edinburgh Sheriff Court today in connection with the incident.

Remarkably, the first person who tried to intervene was Hearts goalkeeper Tepi Moilanen before police officers finally bundled the male fan out of the ground.

And at the end of the game around 20 Hibs supporters managed to get onto the pitch as police and stewards again stood by helplessly.

These incidents will undoubtedly be viewed seriously by the SFA, coming as they did just 24 hours after a fan ran onto the pitch to confront Rangers midfielder Fernando Ricksen during the Glasgow club’s victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Hibs will almost certainly be fined although they will point out to the SFA that police advice on security was strictly followed.

While the appearance on the pitch of so many fans - including, incredibly, a woman with a very young child - could be viewed as high-spirits following a memorable victory, the SFA won’t take such a view.

But undoubtedly the most serious and sinister incident was the fan who ran from the west stand before appearing to take a kick at Dougal.

While stressing they didn’t wish to prejudge the incident ahead of that individual’s appearance in court, Hibs today insisted they’ll take appropriate action once the long arm of the law has run it’s course with spokesman David Forsyth admitting that would normally entail a life-long ban from Easter Road.

Forsyth said: "We await word from the police and to hear what, with the individual being apprehended, the charges will be before we can sensibly say any more.

"It was unacceptable for the man concerned to step on to the field of play and approach the referee like that. He has done the club a dis-service.

"We would also deplore the actions of the people who invaded the pitch. It does the club no good. Obviously, we await the referee’s report and information from the police. When we have that, we will take strong action.

"But it was a great pity when they team showed such enormous spirit, fitness and character that the focus would be on this."

While the SFA will undoubtedly conduct their own inquiry after receiving Dougal’s report on the incidents, Hibs will hold their own investigation.

Forsyth said: "After every match there is a debrief involving police, stewards and club officials and we will be reviewing what happened on this occasion once we have full information to hand."

Taken from the Scotsman