It’s not often when two rival clubs issue a joint statement, however, after last night’s diabolical scenes witnessed by those at Tynecastle and thousands of BT Sport viewers it seems Ann Budge, owner and Chairwoman at Hearts and Leeann Dempster, Chief Executive at Hibernian had little option.
📝 Joint club statement on behalf of Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian
👉 https://t.co/qDB7IUD1PT pic.twitter.com/uz0cNIlMLf
— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) November 1, 2018
Ann Budge
“The first thing I want to say is that we 100% condemn the handful of unsavoury incidents that took place during last night’s Edinburgh Derby. We will work closely with Police Scotland and Hibernian to identify the individuals involved in these incidents to ensure they are banned from attending our two stadiums and appropriate charges may be brought.
“While we condemn such behaviour, we must not fall into the trap of condemning the thousands of genuine football fans, who come to be entertained and who do nothing more than passionately support their respective teams.
“Of the 5 arrests made last night, 1 of them was made possible because fellow supporters identified the culprits. By working together in this manner, we will succeed in removing the tiny percentage of fans, whose behaviour spoils things for the majority.
“Thank you to the thousands of supporters, from both teams, who created a fantastic atmosphere last night.”
Leeann Dempster
Hibernian chief defends Neil Lennon and says he was NOT goading Hearts fans before coin attack at Edinburgh derby 🏴
LISTEN 🔊👇https://t.co/KRGOFHxr4x
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) November 1, 2018
“The two Clubs are united. This kind of behaviour is simply not acceptable. We do everything we can to ensure that we run matches in a way that is safe for everyone involved. Players, coaches, supporters, the media, everyone who goes to a football match is entitled to enjoy the match in safety and security.
“We will not allow the mindless actions of a few foolish individuals to jeopardise that. We will learn any lessons that we can from this, but we would also call on supporters to play their part in helping us to identify those responsible for this kind of unacceptable and potentially dangerous behaviour.
“The two Clubs work together in all kinds of ways, and there is great mutual respect. There is an intense sporting rivalry, and we all enjoy that and would not wish to dilute it, but it needs to be a respectful rivalry.”
Police are investigating after Hibernian head coach Neil Lennon was struck by a coin and Hearts goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal was struck by an apparent attack from a supporter during the Edinburgh derby.
For more on the story, head here: https://t.co/W3XYaS9CYZ pic.twitter.com/F3VHm6uF8g
— Sky News (@SkyNews) November 1, 2018
Mayhem?
https://twitter.com/HeartsRant/status/1057718306235449344
"As a manager, you cannot act like a fan and Neil Lennon does that."
Hibs boss Neil Lennon was hit by a coin last night during an incident-packed Hearts v Hibs game.
However, Alan and Tony Cascarino believe Lennon should take some responsibility for the coin throw.
Agree? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/lxjCTwOMB2
— talkSPORT Breakfast (@TSBreakfast) November 1, 2018
I can only surmise that the coin which hit Neil Lennon was thrown by an Englishman. A Scotsman would never be that wasteful with money. #NeilLennon #HeartsvHibs #EdinburghDerby
— Gavin Noble (@NobleGavinMr) November 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/DBestseventy2/status/1058016571304693760
💬 "Irrespective of what a manager does trackside he does not deserve to be hit by an object"
Hibs chief Leeann Dempster defends Neil Lennon and insists he was NOT goading Hearts fans
https://t.co/7gu4XtYqEd pic.twitter.com/kpuDFsY6OA— Scottish Sun Sport (@scotsunsport) November 1, 2018
🔑 CAR KEYS launched at Zdenek Zlamal's goal as Hearts star says 'personal tragedies' of Hibs fans made them 'punch me in the face' https://t.co/U5xS7KzQGJ pic.twitter.com/CvmJ03u8FF
— Scottish Sun Sport (@scotsunsport) November 1, 2018
Gary Caldwell in Neil Lennon climb down after claiming Hibs boss brought coin attack on himself https://t.co/3Ci2jMTcE5 pic.twitter.com/pqvvsxcpib
— Scottish Sun Sport (@scotsunsport) November 1, 2018
What can we expect when Hearts visit Easter Road on 29 December?
I haven’t a clue, but I can’t wait!
