Police to quiz Hearts and Hibs over derby day yobs

Published on Saturday 9 May 2009 11:05

POLICE are set for crunch talks with Hibs and Hearts chiefs next week following the violence which marred Thursday night's derby game.

The Scottish Premier League (SPL) also confirmed it is investigating the events and said it would be writing to both clubs next week. Hearts fan Robert Philips, 25, was yesterday told he could face jail for his part in the pitch invasion, while season ticket holder Ryan Wyllie, 16, admitted he "squared up" to Hibs forward Derek Riordan following his match-winning penalty.

Apprentice plumber Wyllie was fined 400 after he ran on to the pitch and began shouting and swearing at the Hibs star.

Lothian and Borders Police said they had also ejected a further five fans from the ground, with stewards throwing out another ten people.

A force spokesman said: "We will be participating in a full debrief with Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian football clubs, the Scottish Football Association and the stewarding company next week."

A spokesman for the SPL said they had launched an investigation. "The first step for us is to review our match delegate's report from the game. From there, we will be in touch with both clubs to investigate further."

Hearts could face a fine, but it is understood the club are unlikely to face stiffer measures, such as the docking of points.

The Tynecastle club confirmed that the two arrested fans would be given "indefinite" bans.

The club's managing director, Campbell Ogilvie, said: "On no account will we tolerate any unacceptable conduct and we view the incident in a very serious light.

"We have worked extremely hard to develop a stadium that is seen by many supporters as one of the best for atmosphere in the country and we will not allow the reputation of Hearts to be tarnished by individuals who disrespect this club."

A Hibs spokeswoman added: "Hibernian FC continues to work closely with Hearts FC and has every confidence that the club and the football authorities are dealing with the issues from Thursday night in the appropriate manner."

Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday heard how Wyllie vaulted a safety barrier and raced onto the pitch after Riordan buried his 79th minute spot-kick. Riordan managed to fend Wyllie off and stewards dragged him from the pitch.

Fiscal depute Malcom Stewart said Wyllie raced towards Riordan. He said: "He was swearing and shouting unpleasant things to him and managed to reach the player but he was fended off."

His solicitor, James Grant, said his client had been "caught up in the emotion" when other fans invaded the pitch.

He said his client was immature but was "full of remorse" for his actions.