Hearts and Hibs unite to condemn derby violence
● Dempster and Budge will work together to root out rogue supporters
Hearts and Hibs came together yesterday to condemn the moronic minority of supporters whose actions overshadowed Wednesday night’s Edinburgh derby.
The capital clash was an engrossing affair but it was the embarrassing behaviour of some fans in the stands that hogged the headlines and could come back to haunt the capital clubs as the Scottish Professional Football League and the police mull over incidents at the match, which was televised and beamed around the world.
Hearts goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal was struck by an away fan, and Hibs manager Neil Lennon was also grounded, this time by a coin thrown by a supporter of the Gorgie club.
There were several other distasteful moments and both Hearts chairwoman Ann Budge and Hibs chief executive Leeann Dempster have vowed that they will try to root out the rogue element in both fanbases.
In a joint statement, the owner of the Tynecastle club said: “The first thing I want to say is that we 100 per cent condemn the handful of unsavoury incidents that took place during Wednesday night’s Edinburgh 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 who do nothing more than passionately support their respective teams.
“Of the five arrests made last night, 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.
“Thank you to the thousands of supporters, from both teams, who created a fantastic atmosphere last night.”
“The two clubs are united,” added Dempster. “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.”
There are likely to be ramifications, though, with the SPFL awaiting reports from match delegates, while the police are said to be far from happy with the behaviour of fans in and around the ground.
Similar incidents have seen Old Firm matches moved to early kick-offs in recent years in an attempt to minimise drink-related hooliganism and while the next capital derby is scheduled for a 5.30pm kick-off on 29 December, any
“We will work closely with the police and Hibs to identify those involved to ensure they are banned”
ANN BUDGE
“There is an intense sporting rivalry, and we all enjoy that but it needs tob e a respectful rivalry”
LEEANN DEMPSTER