Gers star Tav slams pitch fan
GERS ACE HAS A POP AT HIBS AND BLASTS FAN MADNESS
RANGERS skipper James Tavernier wants a crowd control crackdown after being confronted by a Hibs fan on the pitch on Friday.
“It needs to be kicked out of football,” said the defender.
JAMES TAVERNIER has rounded on Hibs and called for an end to the thuggery that’s shaming Scottish football.
The Rangers skipper has spoken of his shock after being confronted by a fan during his side’s 1-1 draw at Easter Road on Friday night. A
21-year-old was arrested for jumping the advertising boards next to the East Stand before kicking the ball from Tavernier and striking him.
It’s the second time in three years Tavernier has faced down a Hibs supporter on the pitch after disorder at the 2016 Scottish Cup Final.
The ugly incident on Friday was the latest in a long line blighting the game.
It’s also the second Easter Road security breach in a week after a Buckfast bottle was thrown at Celtic’s Scott Sinclair.
Hibs chief Leeann Dempster revealed nothing is off the table, including closure of the section.
Tavernier reflected on the incident and said: “It is stupid. It shouldn’t be allowed.
“Fans should be enjoying the game. They shouldn’t be able to jump on the pitch and interfere with any players. Leeann has apologised and it should be kicked out of football.
“Someone came on and it was one of those things where your instincts just kick in. I didn’t know what he intended to do when he booted the ball and caught me. But you need to keep a cool head and not react and the police escorted him away.
“Every time I have played (at Easter Road) that is normally the rowdy bit where their fans are always saying stuff. First and foremost no fans should be allowed on the pitch.
“That is down to the security. No player should be targeted by fans going on the pitch or by coins. We had an incident a few years ago where they (Hibs fans) raided Hampden.
“These things shouldn’t happen. It is down to the clubs and the security to stop this but fans shouldn’t intervene.
“I really appreciated Leeann coming down to the dressing room and apologising.”
Tavernier’s first thoughts were for his family back home, saying: “My wife was watching it and it was disgusting seeing that on TV. She said I handled it really well but you don’t want anyone back at home to see that.”
SPFL chief Neil Doncaster finally released a statement about the incident yesterday, two days after the match.
He said: “We utterly condemn the reprehensible behaviour. We welcome comments made by Leeann Dempster in tackling unacceptable conduct.
“We will review the specific circumstances of that event in conjunction with the match delegate and the police and take any appropriate steps.”