Hearts: Ann Budge wants new Ibrox segregation

Hearts Chairwoman Ann Budge. Picture: TSPL

ANN Budge has called for the segregation of fans after the match when the Rangers v Hearts game, abandoned last Friday, is replayed. Writing on the Tynecastle club’s website, the Hearts owner said security outside the stadium last week was “clearly inadequate”, but accepted that Rangers themselves were not to blame.

Budge was responding to complaints from Hearts supporters about the match, which began on a snow-covered pitch but was called off after 25 minutes. “The police are treating the incidents surrounding the bus park very seriously indeed,” Budge wrote after Hearts fans’ buses were attacked. “I can confirm that a full and very active investigation is under way, headed by a detective inspector, with a view to detecting and arresting anyone who engaged in acts of disorder or violence before, during and after the game.

“Both we and Rangers’ security staff will be working closely with the investigation to assist in any way we can. As well as trying to identify those responsible, we will work closely with all parties to try to ensure there is no repetition of this behaviour at the rearranged fixture.”

Budge wants different preparations next time. “The SPFL match delegate report states that the events of Friday night were in no way caused by poor or ineffective match-operation on the part of the home club. Given the incidents on the night, the steps taken outside the stadium were clearly inadequate. Alternative measures will be insisted upon at the rearranged fixture.”