PFA Scotland boss: Completely unacceptable that players' safety was compromised

23 May 2016 03:23

Professional Footballers' Association Scotland chief Fraser Wishart has backed Rangers' calls for a full investigation into the crowd trouble which marred the Scottish Cup final, saying the players' well-being was "endangered".

The Gers players were forced to flee when thousands of Hibernian fans ran on to the Hampden pitch following their dramatic 3-2 triumph on Saturday.

Several players and backroom staff were assaulted during the chaotic scenes, with footage showing Rangers skipper Lee Wallace being punched and goalkeeper Wes Foderingham shoved as the celebratory pitch invasion turned ugly.

Dozens of Rangers fans also came on to the pitch and fights broke out between rival supporters, while Hibs fans broke one of the goalposts and ripped up sections of the Hampden turf.

Union chief executive Wishart has demanded answers on how his members' safety was allowed to be put in jeopardy.

The former Rangers defender said: "PFA Scotland supports calls for a full and thorough independent and transparent investigation in to the post-match events at the Scottish Cup final at Hampden on Saturday.

"Safety in the workplace is of paramount importance and it is forgotten that footballers' workplace is the field of play, where they perform assuming like every worker that the environment is safe.

"On Saturday this was not the case and it is completely unacceptable that the safety of our members was compromised in the scenes which followed the full-time whistle.

"The well-being of our members was endangered and they were left open to threats and intimidation. No-one should have to face these unsavoury conditions in their workplace, be it on the football pitch or an office environment.

"In the lead-up to high-profile matches such as Saturday's cup final, players are advised by the authorities with regard to their behaviour on the pitch and the potential consequences in the stands of such behaviour.

"The players on Saturday behaved impeccably. It was their safety that was threatened and our members were left vulnerable.

"The scenes on the Hampden pitch tarnished what was a wonderful game of football and a historic day for Hibernian Football Club.

"It is particularly disappointing that both sets of players were denied the opportunity to go to their supporters in the traditional manner; the Hibernian players were denied the opportunity to celebrate a momentous occasion for their club with their supporters whilst the Rangers players were unable to collect their medals and acknowledge their supporters after a long season.

"We commend our members for the restraint shown under severe duress and believe that they are due a full explanation from the authorities as to how and why supporters were able to enter the field of play and threaten their safety."

Hibs chairman Rod Petrie, who is the vice-president of the Scottish Football Association, put the scenes down to "over-exuberance" in the immediate aftermath, but acknowledged they were "unacceptable".

A club statement later confirmed Hibs would "co-operate fully into any inquiry".

However, Rangers reacted angrily and in a scathing statement released on Sunday night demanded both the SFA and Police Scotland take swift action against those responsible.

It said: "Rangers demands that players, staff and fans be protected from the violence and hatred of supporters of other clubs.

"Rangers fully expects the Scottish FA and Police Scotland to take action to provide our people with a safe environment.

"When players are unable to accept medals at the end of a final because of fears for their safety and our supporters are alarmed and extremely concerned for the women and children among them, then surely every step must be taken to ensure that this is never repeated."

Hibs' own statement did add that the club "reiterates its regret at the events which unfolded immediately following the final whistle".

Rangers players were handed their medals in the dressing room, while Hibs players had a long wait to lift the trophy after the pitch was cleared, with the lap of honour cancelled.

The SFA, along with Police Scotland and stadium managers, have launched an investigation into some of the worst scenes of violence seen inside a Scottish football ground since the 1980 final, when Celtic and Rangers fans battled on the Hampden pitch. The Scottish government is "liasing closely" with the inquiry.

Police have so far confirmed 11 arrests for minor offences have been made.

Source: PA