Rangers angry at lack of SFA action over cup final pitch invasion

Police line the pitch at Hampden (SNS Group / Alan Harvey)

RANGERS have demanded that action is taken to ensure there is no repeat of the pitch invasion that followed their Hampden defeat by Hibernian.

The Ibrox club again hit out at the Scottish Football Association after conformation that the governing body’s disciplinary rules meant neither they nor Hibs would face punishment following the crowd trouble at the end of the William Hill Scottish Cup final.

Rangers challenged the SFA to ensure the safety of players and officals after a number of their employees were caught up as Hibs fans invaded the pitch in huge numbers following their late 3-2 win.

The Glasgow outfit previously criticised the findings and the SFA response to an independent commission led by Sheriff Principal Edward Bowen.

In a lengthy statement, Rangers said: “At the time of the cup final Rangers shared the outrage and concern expressed by the Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan.

“He was very clear: ‘It was appalling. In the UK this is one of the worst incidents of its kind I’ve seen.’

“However, four months on from the final, the Scottish FA have still not held a formal de-brief.

“Sheriff Bowen has prepared and issued a report. Rangers were pleased to provide evidence to Sheriff Bowen and offered guidance from our own very experienced security team on the failings in policing and stewarding at the match. Rangers remain disappointed and concerned that the report did not address many of the issues raised by our security team.

“The concerns were raised not to attack individuals for what had happened but with a view to avoiding any repetition of these issues. Rangers would hope all of Scottish football would be united in agreeing this is paramount.

“The continued failure to deal properly and promptly with issues surrounding the cup final is alarming and a stain on Scottish football.

“The SFA must confront and learn from the issues that arose. Rangers owe it to our players and supporters to ensure that the Scottish FA’s duty of care is upheld and that those with authority in Scottish Football create a safe environment for the game.

“It should be understood Rangers will not tolerate any of their employees being attacked with impunity.”

The Rangers response followed a Scottish Government warning that it could intervene to enforce a stricter approach from football authorities to tackling crowd trouble.

Hibs earlier welcomed the panel’s decision on Wednesday and paid for damage caused to the pitch.

Rangers boss Mark Warburton hit with SFA charge