FIND THE COIN THUGS
Clubs slate idiots behind attacks and call on real footy fans to shop them
HEARTS and Hibernian last night united to call on football fans to name and shame the thugs who marred Wednesday’s Edinburgh derby.
Hibs boss Neil Lennon was struck in the face by a pound coin while Jambos goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal was punched by a supporter.
The Scottish Football Association said two match officials also were struck by objects at Tynecastle, while police reported that five people were arrested at the match, including a 25-year-old man over an alleged assault on an assistant referee.
Hearts owner Ann Budge and Hibernian chief executive Leeann Dempster met yesterday and vowed to ban the culprits from both clubs’ grounds.
Budge said: “The first thing I want to say is that we 100 per cent condemn the handful of unsavoury incidents that took place during the derby.
“We will work closely with Police Scotland and Hibernian to identify the individuals involved in these incidents to ensure they are banned from attending our two stadiums and are formally charged.
“While we condemn such behaviour, we must not fall into the trap of condemning the thousands of genuine football fans who come to be entertained and do nothing more than passionately support their respective teams.
“Of the five arrests made last night, one of them was because fellow supporters identified the culprit. By working together in this manner, we will succeed in removing the tiny percentage of fans whose behaviour spoils things for the majority.
“Thank you to the thousands of supporters, from both teams, who created such a fantastic atmosphere.”
Dempster added: “The two clubs are united. This kind of behaviour is simply not acceptable. We do everything we can to ensure that we run matches in a way that is safe
for everyone involved. Players, coaches, supporters, the media, everyone who goes to a football match is entitled to enjoy the match in safety and security.
“We will not allow the mindless actions of a few foolish individuals to jeopardise that. We will learn any lessons that we can from this but we would also call on supporters to play their part in helping us to identify those responsible for this kind of unacceptable and potentially dangerous behaviour.
“The two clubs work together in all kinds of ways, and there is great mutual respect. There is an intense sporting rivalry and we all enjoy that and would not wish to dilute it – but it needs to be a respectful rivalry.” It emerged yesterday that twisted thugs had also targeted Lennon with vile graffiti in the wake of the chaotic clash.
The sickening “Hang Neil Lennon” message was spraypainted on a wall in the Russell Road area of the city, close to Hearts’ Tynecastle ground.
Speaking after the game, Lennon said: “I’m very angry. It’s disgraceful. What possesses people to throw things on to a football pitch I will never know. I believe Zlamal was hit as well. It’s just ridiculous.”
Zlamal took to Twitter to brand the troublemakers “losers”.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said yesterday: “In addition to the well-documented incidents that saw Neil Lennon and Zdenek Zlamal left on the receiving end of cowardly attacks from the stands, I am sorry to confirm that two of our match officials were also struck by objects.
“Knowing the clubs involved as I do, I know no stone will be left unturned – in conjunction with the relevant authorities – to identify the individuals responsible and ensure the relevant steps are taken to leave them in no doubt that such actions will not be tolerated by Scottish football.”
Chief Inspector Murray Starkey, match commander, said Police Scotland condemn “the mindless acts of violence”.