Hibernian set for SFA rap
Damning match report leads to charges
against the club
(Stuart Crowther)
A DAMNING REFEREE'S REPORT detailing
the unsavoury incidents from the Hibs support in the East Stand on
Saturday will lead to Hibernian having to face an SFA probe, with the
likelihood of the club facing a severe penalty for the actions of unruly
fans.
An as yet unidentified
fan managed to get onto the Easter Road pitch just after Celtic's third
goal in the 4-1 defeat against the SPL Champions on Saturday, and that
incident is being looked upon as serious enough by the SFA as the fan
accosted Assistant Referee Brian McDuffie. However it is not clear
if the official report includes reference to alleged spitting and
coin-throwing from the stand at the same official, accusations that if
proven could lead to the club facing much more serious charges.
It certainly appears
that more than one incident has been mentioned by the match officials in
their report, as an SFA Spokesman said yesterday:
"We spoke to the match officials on Monday, and they are
obliged to include the incidents in their report. Hibernian will be
sent a copy of the report for them to comment, then the matter will go
before a committee." Hibs have
been attempting to identify the single fan who managed to breach security
with apparent ease, not only finding his way to the pitch but escaping
again into the stand without detection by Stewards or Police, who
themselves must now consider a review of their own control policies at the
stadium. Club spokesman David Forsyth said yesterday:
"We have not identified the culprit but we are making
progress with our own investigations."
Arpinon - return to action at Fir Park (sns)
Frederick Arpinon
meanwhile came through his first 90-minutes of the season without
suffering any further problems, the French midfielder having taken part in
Hibs U-21's 2-2 draw at Motherwell on Monday. On loan striker Allan
Smart also took part in the game, with David Zitelli scoring for Hibs in
the first half and Derek Riordan in the second.
"It was good to see Freddy back and the most pleasing thing
was that he was very influential when he came on,"
Alex McLeish commented on the return of Arpinon, adding:
"We realise he is not up to full fitness and that he's not
yet able to get up and down the park, but he looked exceptional with the
ball at his feet."
The official travel
agents appointed by the club to deal with flights to Athens for Hibs UEFA
Cup tie on September 13th have released details of the package they have
on offer. A one-night stay in Athens is being offered to fans with
flights from Edinburgh at a cost of £359 for 3-star accommodation and £379
for 4-star accommodation, based on two persons sharing with limited
single-supplements also available. These prices do not include the
cost of match tickets, which are yet to be set by AEK Athens, but the club
is making it clear that only those booking through the official agents
will be guaranteed a match ticket. That latter condition is being
seen as tantamount to blackmail by many Hibs fans, a large number of whom
have already booked to travel to Greece by independent means. The
contact number for reservations is 08707 280280.
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