The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Find the mindless thugs
● Fans asked to help identify culprits from Tynecastle flashpoints
Hearts and Hibernian united to condemn violent scenes at Wednesday’s Edinburgh derby as it emerged that both assistant referees were hit by missiles as well as Hibs manager Neil Lennon.
Officials David McGeachie and Frank Connor joined Lennon and Hearts goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal in being the victims of attacks from the Tynecastle stands in the goalless clash.
Police announced they had made five arrests, including one in connection with an assault on an assistant referee.
The 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 are 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 jeop- ardise 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. We would not wish to dilute our sporting rivalry but it needs to be a respectful rivalry.”
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said everyone involved in football had a responsibility to drive such actions out of the game.
Lennon, whose 12-yearold son was at the game, was left to reflect whether it was all worth it following the latest in a string of attacks on him, which included being punched by a Hearts fan at Tynecastle in 2011.
The former Celtic boss said: “I’ve got my own safety to think about. I’ve got my health and my family to think about. For what? A game of football?”