The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
SFA charge clubs over damage at Hampden
CUP FINAL: Hibs and Rangers face hearings over fans’ pitch invasions
Rangers and Hibernian have been charged by the Scottish Football Association after fans from both sides invaded the pitch and allegedly caused damage at the end of the William Hill Scottish Cup final.
After Hibs won 3-2 at Hampden Park in May to win the trophy for the first time in 114 years, the post-match celebrations were marred by trouble.
The clubs have now been issued a notice of complaint by the SFA’s compliance officer, who has alleged that supporter misbehaviour led to damage of the stadium.
A statement from the SFA published yesterday afternoon claimed the surface of the pitch, a set of goal posts and parts of the LED advertising system had been damaged by Hibs fans.
Rangers supporters also stand accused of damaging advertising equipment and advertising hoardings at the perimeter of the pitch.
Both clubs have until the close of business on Tuesday to provide written responses to the alleged breaches, with Hibs representatives asked to attend a hearing on October 4.
Rangers’ principal hearing has been scheduled for October 5.
The Light Blues have already demanded “urgent” talks with the SFA and the author of a report into the pitch invasion after claiming there were “factual inaccuracies and contradictions” in the document.
The SFA released the 52-page report, written by Edward Bowen, a Sheriff Principal from Lothian and Borders, on the evening before Rangers kicked off the new Ladbrokes Premiership season against Hamilton earlier this month.
Hibs declined to comment on the report.