Fans’ abuse of Fenlon is set to go unpunished

THE sustained personal abuse directed at Hibernian manager Pat Fenlon during Saturday’s match at Cowdenbeath is likely to go unpunished.

Fife Police yesterday insisted that discussions between officers and Fenlon at the end of the Scottish Cup tie had simply been part of “usual procedure”.

The Irishman was repeatedly subjected to aggressive abuse – much of it centring on his nationality – from individuals within the home support during the Easter Road side’s 3-2 victory over the Second Division leaders. However, despite the offenders being clearly identifiable in the stand, no action was taken by police or stewards.

The 42-year-old Fenlon was then seen speaking to the police as he made his way across the stock car track and towards the main-stand tunnel from his place in the dugouts beside the Central Park pitch at full-time.

However, the former Bohemians manager, who became one of the few Catholics to have played for the staunchly-Protestant Linfield in Belfast during the 1990s, refused to divulge the nature of the brief discussion when asked in the immediate aftermath of a rumbustious cup tie.

“That’s between me and the policemen, we’ll leave it at that,” he said. “I’m used to abuse. If you’ve played for Linfield and you manage in Ireland you get plenty of abuse.

“I don’t mind that. It’s good banter, as long as it doesn’t get over the top.”

It is understood Fenlon has not mentioned the crowd’s insults to officials at Easter Road and Fife Police yesterday indicated there would be no ramifications for Cowdenbeath – who have received no complaints from fans – or the supporters involved.

A spokesman said: “Following the Scottish Cup tie at Central Park, Cowdenbeath, on Saturday, as is usual procedure, officers from Fife Constabulary spoke with the match officials and the respective management teams, and nothing of a criminal nature was reported at this time.”