Dempster asks fans to help weed out hooligans

Hibs chief executive Leeann Dempster has clarified comments she made following the 1-1 draw with Rangers last week when a supporter entered the field of play and confronted Rangers captain James Tavernier.

After the match, Dempster insisted “nothing was off the table” in terms of action the club could take.

In a statement on the club’s website, Dempster said: “I did not ‘suggest’ the closure of the East Stand, as has been claimed. Asked a question, I gave an answer. Nothing is, or can be, off the table but it is not my intention to immediately or negatively impact on the vast majority of well-behaved supporters in that area.”

Dempster confirmed other measures would be deployed “before any closure is considered”. Reinforcing her request that Hibs fans help identify troublemakers , she added: “Hibernian – your club – has been the focus of much debate and national attention for entirely the wrong reasons. Supporters will share my dismay that a minority are damaging the proud reputation of this wonderful club – founded as it was on principles of charity, tolerance, and inclusion.

“When we should have been talking about an exciting game and a performance of real character by our team, we have instead spent our time discussing the loutish behaviour of individuals who seem determined to ruin football for all of us.

“It has to stop and we need your help to make Easter Road Stadium the vibrant, noisy, colourful, exhilarating but safe, welcoming and tolerant place it normally is.

“Of course, the problems are not confined to this club. To suggest otherwise is a nonsense but we first must look after our own home and our reputation by facing into the issues we have experienced.”

“Please, help us crack down on unacceptable behaviour. If you witness something that causes you concern during the match, let a steward know or write in to us, with as much detail as you can. We will act.”