Hearts fans facing lifetime ban for running onto pitch during Hibs clash

Campbell Ogilvie, Hearts managing director and an SFA vice-president, today promised a full investigation into the events which resulted in two arrests and 15 ejections from the stadium following bad behaviour.

Trouble erupted after Derek Riordan's 79th-minute penalty for Hibs, which brought the game's only goal.

Hearts fan pitch invader 'expected easy win'

He began celebrating in front of Hearts fans, resulting in a pitch invasion by angry supporters.

Hearts are now to study video footage of home supporters entering the field following the goal, including two from the Hibs end.

The angry supporters ran on to the pitch and one attempted to confront the Hibs forward as he celebrated, prompting referee Steve Conroy to step in.

The night's violence didn't end there, as Hibs captain Ian Murray was allegedly struck by a coin, understood to have been thrown by a Hearts fan.

Mr Ogilvie said: "The club will fully investigate the incident."

"We will take the necessary action against any supporter found guilty of an offence. Irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated."

Hibs midfielder Ross Chisholm also claimed to have been grabbed by Hearts player Christian Nade.

He said: "I was going to celebrate with my team-mates and fans and one of their players comes over and assaults me. I did get a fright, he grabbed me by the throat. You do not do that to anyone in the street so you should not do it here."

Hearts' code of conduct for spectators states that anyone convicted of offences for misconduct will receive a life ban from Tynecastle.

Lothian and Borders Police confirmed that two males were arrested last night and are due to appear in Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.

Inspector Graham Low said: "There were 15 ejections from the game and their details have been noted by the clubs."

Concerns have been raised about security at the game, with Hibs manager Mixu Paatelainen, who asked for police protection at the dug-out during the game, also questioned if there were enough stewards. He said: "I felt there was quite a small number of stewards on that far side, I was surprised by that. It's a derby match, a volatile atmosphere. Players' safety is the most important thing but thankfully it was under control very quickly."

He also said there was inadequate protection near the away side's dug-out. He said: "There was no steward on the right-hand side and every time I went there I got quite a mouthful. It was just in case, to avoid things happening. I wanted to make sure nothing happened."

Riordan has been criticised for celebrating his goal in front of Hearts fans. Earlier this year, he was investigated by police over an alleged obscene gesture made to rival fans during another derby game.

He is unlikely to be investigated for last night's incident though, as no action was taken by the match referee.

A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE

THOUGH the 1980s saw some of the worst derby day crowd trouble, more recently games have been marred by pitch invasions and missiles.

In August 2003, around 20 Hibs supporters managed to get onto the pitch following a 1-0 win over Hearts. Hibs faced an SFA rap for the pitch invasion which followed Garry O'Connor's fifth-minute goal in a derby in March 2002.

Hearts striker Gary Wales was also hit by a cardboard cup full of cola and 11 fans were thrown out of Hibs' stadium.

Police were forced to move in to stop a pitch invasion at a match on February 20, 1994. Officers dodged flying punches and coins as they were jostled by 50 Hibs fans.