Hearts fan policeman delivers ‘5-1’ cup final salute to fans at tense derby

Published on 13/08/2012 12:00

A POLICEMAN could find himself in trouble after apparently giving a “5-1” salute 
at yesterday’s Hearts-Hibs derby.

The Pc – believed to be a special constable – was photographed making the hand gesture, a reminder of the scoreline when Hearts beat Hibs in the Scottish Cup final in May.

It is understood that at least one complaint has been made over the incident at the Easter Road match, which ended 1-1.

And there was speculation the PC could be hauled over the coals for his hand signal, even though it was reportedly made as he was facing the Hearts supporters.

One source was quoted saying: “It’s a joke, but the bosses won’t like it one bit – they do not have a sense of humour when it comes to this kind of thing.

“He’s lucky he didn’t do it at the other end or else he’d probably have been charged with a breach of the peace.

“The guy is a special constable – in effect, a volunteer cop – but he would have got paid for yesterday.

“He will probably get a grilling for a moment of stupidity which could have been avoided.”

Yesterday’s match was the first time the two clubs had met since the cup final at Hampden.

The image is believed to have been taken by a fan at the game and was posted on a Hearts supporters’ website before quickly going viral.

One Hearts fan, John Reid, posted: “Love it! He knows the score.”

But another message from Hibs fan David Boyle said: “Complaint sent.”

Lothian and Borders police said that they were not aware of the photograph.

A spokeswoman said today: “If a complaint is made, it is something we will have to look at.”

Last week, a gigantic advertising billboard outside Easter Road, featuring an image of former Hearts star Rudi Skacel scoring in the Cup final, was removed after being vandalised.

Hibs fans had accused Sky of insensitivity, saying the poster was inappropriate and could inflame passions as the derby approached

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