The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Edinburgh clubs condemn derby violence at Tynecastle
Hearts and Hibs pledge action after Lennon and officials were targeted
Hearts and Hibernian united to condemn violent scenes at the Edinburgh derby as it emerged both assistant referees were hit by missiles along with Neil Lennon.
Officials David McGeachie and Frank Connor joined Hibs head coach Lennon and Hearts goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal in being the victims of attacks from the Tynecastle stands at Wednesday’s goalless Ladbrokes Premiership clash.
Police announced they had made five arrests, including one in connection with an assault on an assistant referee.
Both clubs issued a joint statement after Hearts owner Ann Budge and Hibs chief executive Leeann Dempster met to discuss the ugly scenes.
They condemned the “isolated events which marred an otherwise compelling fixture” and vowed to work together with police to ensure the culprits were identified and punished.
Budge said: “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 who do nothing more than passionately support their respective teams.
“Of the five arrests made, one of them was made possible because fellow supporters identified the culprits. By working together in this manner, we will succeed in removing the tiny percentage of fans whose behaviour spoils things for the majority.”
Dempster said: “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.”
Scottish Football Association chief executive Ian Maxwell declared that everyone involved in football had a responsibility to drive such actions out of the game.
Maxwell said: “In addition to the welldocumented 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.
“Beyond that, we cannot accept that two assistant referees simply carrying out their duties are put in that position and I would like to commend their commitment and professionalism in seeing the game through to its conclusion.”
PFA Scotland chief executive Fraser Wishart said: “It is of paramount importance that something is done before someone is seriously hurt or maimed.”
The Scottish Professional Football League, which has responsibility for crowd behaviour at league games, stated it would work closely with police and both clubs.