Scottish Championship side Hibernian has "promised to co-operate with investigations into the crowd trouble" which marred its first Scottish Cup win for 114 years, according to the PA. Several Rangers players "were assaulted as thousands of Hibs fans ran on to the Hampden pitch" following the team's "dramatic 3-2 triumph." Footage showed Rangers defender Lee Wallace being punched and Rangers goalkeeper Wes Foderingham attacked "as the celebratory pitch invasion turned ugly." Dozens of Rangers fans "also came on to the pitch and fights broke out between rival supporters, while Hibs fans broke one of the goalposts and ripped up sections of the Hampden turf." Hibernian Chair Rod Petrie, who is the VP of the Scottish FA, put the scenes down to "over-exuberance" in the "immediate aftermath" and described them as "unacceptable." Police "are collecting CCTV footage and have appealed to spectators who may have information, images or video footage" (PA, 5/22). In London, Ewan Murray reported Scottish FA CEO Stewart Regan has said that he was "shocked and appalled" by the scenes that marred the conclusion of the country’s Cup final. Rangers "did not receive their runners-up medals in public." Hibernian was "denied what would have been a traditional lap of honour" after police horses had been utilized to clear the pitch. Regan: "It was truly shocking, appalling. When you have 20,000 [Hibs] fans and some come on to the pitch, it is very difficult to stop the sheer numbers. What should have been an historic, memorable Scottish Cup final will now, sadly, be remembered for all the wrong reasons" (GUARDIAN, 5/21). In London, James Orr reported Regan said that "a full investigation would be carried out." Rangers players "appeared to be goaded by Hibs supporters as they tried to leave the pitch." Police horses "were last needed on the pitch" at the 1980 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers. In a statement, Rangers said, "Rangers Football Club is shocked at the disgraceful behaviour of Hibs fans at full time. Rangers players and staff were assaulted by these fans who invaded the pitch and in the interests of their safety could not return to the pitch for the medal presentation" (INDEPENDENT, 5/21).
