Letter to those on the pitch

[oneone73]

If you get a letter and ignore it and you are a season ticket member they will suspend your account so you would be unable to use your season ticket. As for the "I only went onto the pitch to avoid being crushed" excuse, the only people at risk of being crushed were the ones on the stairways who were only there to get on the pitch. If you stayed in your seat there was no danger of you being crushed.
Jeez, who the heck stays in their seat when they've just won the Scottish Cup? There isn't half some sanctimonious tripe being posted on this thread. For the record, I was away hugging mates I knew were in other parts of the stand. If we'd all been together maybe we would have been on the pitch!
Hibs' handling of this final, from the ticketing fiasco to the merchandising farce has been a litany of incompetence. This looks like another example.

[Northernhibee]

Jeez, who the heck stays in their seat when they've just won the Scottish Cup? There isn't half some sanctimonious tripe being posted on this thread. For the record, I was away hugging mates I knew were in other parts of the stand. If we'd all been together maybe we would have been on the pitch!
Hibs' handling of this final, from the ticketing fiasco to the merchandising farce has been a litany of incompetence. This looks like another example.
ICT won their first ever one the year before. "I did something I shouldn't have and there are consequences for my actions, waaah" is the general argument being made.

[Kojock]

Jeez, who the heck stays in their seat when they've just won the Scottish Cup? There isn't half some sanctimonious tripe being posted on this thread. For the record, I was away hugging mates I knew were in other parts of the stand. If we'd all been together maybe we would have been on the pitch!
Hibs' handling of this final, from the ticketing fiasco to the merchandising farce has been a litany of incompetence. This looks like another example.

20,000 Hibs supporters managed to stay of the pitch.

[oneone73]

20,000 Hibs supporters managed to stay of the pitch.

As did I. So what? I was on the pitch when we clinched the league at Firhill in 1998. Still waiting for that letter. Or is it only a crime if you upset the Huns?

[SlickShoes]

20,000 Hibs supporters managed to stay of the pitch.

The argument above is people saying they went on to avoid the crush, which is a legitimate concern for anyone seated near the aisle or the front. If you have sat in these seats when a goal is scored or your team wins the cup you pretty much always end up jumping about in the aisle.

I stayed off the pitch but the only point after full time when I was on my seat was when I was standing on it to take a photo of all the folk on the pitch, rest of the time I was all over the place finding people, hugging people etc.

[Keith_M]

I've now seen a copy of the Letter and thought I should post it here:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Fan,

It has been brought to our attention that you were on the pitch after the Final Whistle at Hampden on 21/05/16. If so, we'd very much appreciate it if you could pop in for a quick chat at Easter Road at your earliest convenience.

We are particularly seeking assistance, in the way of eye-witness accounts, related to a number of items that seem to have disappeared on the day in question.

These include the following:

1) The centre circle
2) The goal nets
3) Any semblance of unbiased reporting in the Mainstream Media
4) Any remaining dignity (however miniscule) previously possessed by The Rangers FC.
5) A certain Mr Tavernier *
6) Hibernian's longing for the Holy Grail
7) The 'Since 1902' song.
8) Mr Warburton and his Magic Hat **

* Update: since found in Stokes' back pocket and returned to its rightful owner.
** Mr Warburton has since been found but there is no sign of the aforementioned Magic Hat.


Any assistance you can give us in this matter will be gratefully appreciated by all at Hibernian Football Club.

GGTTH.

signed; The Scottish Cup Winners 2016

[Centre Hawf]

Im not sure why this is still getting constant complaints about. They're clearly ticking a box by inviting folk in for a chat and slapping their wrists. I assume the club are actually PROTECTING people here. Would you rather police scotland come knocking at your doors and decide they're giving you banning order because you managed to get a Hun assigned to you?

The pitch invasion imo is totally justified. I would have been there myself if i wasnt too high up. But cmon. Take your punishment and get it over with. All this talk of returning season tickets etc is a bit OTT

[Hibbyradge]

The argument that because letters weren't issued in the past they should never be issued, doesn't wash.

The clubs' (plural) approach is different this time because the circumstances in which they find themselves are different.

In 98, there was no fighting, no horses on the pitch, no ring of police officers, no broken crossbars or vandalised pitch the day before the Junior Cup Final.

Hibs were prevented from doing a traditional lap of honour as a result of the fans' refusal to leave the pitch and the fear of another invasion.

Hibs are also facing punishment because of the fans' actions, so Hibs have every right to have a quiet word with those who have put the club in this position, although I'm sure the intention is more mitigation than scolding.

As understandable as the invasion was, those circumstances were very different to 1998 and a different approach is justified and understandable.

[Hibbyradge]

Im not sure why this is still getting constant complaints about. They're clearly ticking a box by inviting folk in for a chat and slapping their wrists. I assume the club are actually PROTECTING people here. Would you rather police scotland come knocking at your doors and decide they're giving you banning order because you managed to get a Hun assigned to you?

The pitch invasion imo is totally justified. I would have been there myself if i wasnt too high up. But cmon. Take your punishment and get it over with. All this talk of returning season tickets etc is a bit OTT

:agree:

[Big_Franck]

If you get a letter and ignore it and you are a season ticket member they will suspend your account so you would be unable to use your season ticket. As for the "I only went onto the pitch to avoid being crushed" excuse, the only people at risk of being crushed were the ones on the stairways who were only there to get on the pitch. If you stayed in your seat there was no danger of you being crushed.

Nonsense. Sheer jubilation took them down the stairs to get as near the action as possible. I take it the hundreds of fans that ran down to the front after each of the goals were also trying to get on the pitch?

We have no obligation to be sending these letters and forcing fans in to meeting with the club. It's pandering to the huns, weegie media, SFA and Police Scotland who were left with egg on their face after they failed to properly police the event.

As a club we've already done more than enough to address what happened including handing out numerous bans, something which the other club involved don't seem to have done at all.

The club hasn't done itself any favours since the cup final.

[Since90+2]

The argument that because letters weren't issued in the past they should never be issued, doesn't wash.

The clubs' (plural) approach is different this time because the circumstances in which they find themselves are different.

In 98, there was no fighting, no horses on the pitch, no ring of police officers, no broken crossbars or vandalised pitch the day before the Junior Cup Final.

Hibs were prevented from doing a traditional lap of honour as a result of the fans' refusal to leave the pitch and the fear of another invasion.

Hibs are also facing punishment because of the fans' actions, so Hibs have every right to have a quiet word with those who have put the club in this position, although I'm sure the intention is more mitigation than scolding.

As understandable as the invasion was, those circumstances were very different to 1998 and a different approach is justified and understandable.

Kilmarnock and Ayr United pitch invasions happened this year. How many of their fans who were simply on the park have been invited in for official meetings?

We are not talking about people involved in the fighting here. Simply the folk who went onto the park.

[Steve-O]

I took it upon myself to email Robbie yesterday, to find out more information. To which he immediately replied with a request for me to phone him for a chat. I then spent 15 minutes on the phone to him discussing the situation. I put this up on Hibspaige last night.

"Regarding the letters some fans have received from the club today -
I have been in communication this afternoon with R McGregor at Hibs to try and clear everything up. I am hoping to have a statement to release early on tomorrow, as for legal reasons it needs to be cleared by the club.
But until then, from what ive gathered from the discussions, Hibs were passed these peoples details by an external party. They are obliged by law to investigate.
In my opinion as long as you didnt do anything stupid on the pitch, you will get a slap on the wrist. But again, hopefully i will have more details tomorrow.
So lets all chill out."

My opinion on the situation has been built after the discussion with Robbie, who also admitted he understood why people went on the pitch to celebrate. He has no desire to spend months meeting with fans to ban people. A select few have been identified and letters have been sent to them. The club want all this sorted before the season starts and THAT is why the memberships have been put on hold, to force peoples hand to contact the club.

The last thing the club want to do it get the fans backs up this close to the season. By not contacting the club you are just causing yourself more grief.

Cheers


Can whoever this is explain what law obliges Hibs to investigate? Sounds completely made up.

[Callum_62]

Who cares - we sold 10,000 plus season tickets

[Dunedin Hibs]

I've now seen a copy of the Letter and thought I should post it here:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Fan,

It has been brought to our attention that you were on the pitch after the Final Whistle at Hampden on 25/05/16. If so, we'd very much appreciate it if you could pop in for a quick chat at Easter Road at your earliest convenience.

We are particularly seeking assistance, in the way of eye-witness accounts, related to a number of items that seem to have disappeared on the day in question.

These include the following:

1) The centre circle
2) The goal nets
3) Any semblance of unbiased reporting in the Mainstream Media
4) Any remaining dignity (however miniscule) previously possessed by The Rangers FC.
5) A certain Mr Tavernier *
6) Hibernian's longing for the Holy Grail
7) The 'Since 1902' song.
8) Mr Warburton and his Magic Hat **

* Update: since found in Stokes' back pocket and returned to its rightful owner.
** Mr Warburton has since been found but there is no sign of the aforementioned Magic Hat.


Any assistance you can give us in this matter will be gratefully appreciated by all at Hibernian Football Club.

GGTTH.

signed; The Scottish Cup Winners 2016

Nice. Download and play this song loud....dedicated to everyone who went on the pitch - Hibs fans only - we won the Cup, after the final whistle went...who cares....history. If you were just celebrating after the final whistle, then all good. In whatever fashion you fancy...there were a few idiots who crossed the boundary (in several ways), but generally we were...good buggers. GGTTH

https://dunedinhibs.bandcamp.com/releases

Only 31 more free downloads available until 'free downloads' kick over on 9th August.

[Steve-O]

The argument that because letters weren't issued in the past they should never be issued, doesn't wash.

The clubs' (plural) approach is different this time because the circumstances in which they find themselves are different.

In 98, there was no fighting, no horses on the pitch, no ring of police officers, no broken crossbars or vandalised pitch the day before the Junior Cup Final.

Hibs were prevented from doing a traditional lap of honour as a result of the fans' refusal to leave the pitch and the fear of another invasion.

Hibs are also facing punishment because of the fans' actions, so Hibs have every right to have a quiet word with those who have put the club in this position, although I'm sure the intention is more mitigation than scolding.

As understandable as the invasion was, those circumstances were very different to 1998 and a different approach is justified and understandable.

There was no violence in 99 because Hamilton fans didn't invade the park looking for a fight.

[Mikey09]

How can the club remotely think of doing this when OUR OWN CHAIRMAN said the fans who went on the pitch did so through over exuberance? There's everyone's excuse/reason right there!

[Mikey09]

Having said that there's a difference between celebrating on the pitch and wrecking the goal posts and ripping up the turf. Whatever way you look at that it's vandalism.

[Hibbyradge]

There was no violence in 99 because Hamilton fans didn't invade the park looking for a fight.

I know.

And Hamilton didn't send any letters out either.

Sometimes the authorities choose to turn a blind eye when fans break the rules, and I think that's a sensible approach.

On other occasions, they can choose to apply the rules. The aftermath of the cup final clearly puts it into the latter category.

Hibs must deal with the realities of the situation with which they're faced.

Yes, The Rangers and media kicked up a storm so we must defend ourselves against that. Sticking 2 fingers up may generate some temporary satisfaction, but it would be interpreted as contempt for the rules and the SFA.

When Leeann is called up to face the "beaks", she will now be able to say that Hibs have made every effort to put their own house in order, including the unusual step of speaking face to face with individual fans.

It seems that some people would like Hibs to defend the club with the argument that fans running on the pitch was ok because they were happy. That's really not going to gain much traction.

The other defence I'm hearing is that it wasn't our faukt, it was those nasty zombies at the other end. Well, that's exactly what they would say and we'd criticise them for doing so.

Let the SFA deal with The Rangers. We'll deal with our involvement.

[lord bunberry]

As did I. So what? I was on the pitch when we clinched the league at Firhill in 1998. Still waiting for that letter. Or is it only a crime if you upset the Huns?
Upsetting the Huns is the only crime. If we had played another team in the final we wouldn't be talking about this now.

[Matty_Jack04]

I agree, it does seem ridiculous. However, I'm sure hibs hsve a very valid reason (possibly obligation) in doing this. There is literally no way hibs would go down this path if it wasn't required, as if it isn't, what is the benefit to the club?! Zero.

Let's not hang the club before we know the facts. A divided fan base is not going to help.

As I sad before arrests have been made, also life bans and indefinite bans have been handed out by the club already, we've all had a nice email
From leann telling us it has not to happen again etc the guy throwing punches at Wallace was arrested on the day and released the next morning the guy making hand gestures at the goalie has been given the death penalty is there any need for meetings for a wrist slap? It's the club creating divisions here imo they've followed the rule book and done what they can already this is a step too far and totally unnecessary

[Dunedin Hibs]

If, which I very much doudt, Hibs sanction/restrict fans who just went on the park to celebrate...then this is a story. Otherwise, it is a non event.

The only event was us winning 3 - 2 in the Scottish Cup Final!

[Dunedin Hibs]

Can you imagine this letter to hun fans...

"Dear King Billy234....we were saddened when you entered the Hampden pitch to confront the jubilant Hibs fans after the recent Cup Final we lost.

Please report to ibrox park to explain your actions (after which you can continue the search for the mystical Magic Hat).

Much love

The gers

[alhibby]

http://stv.tv/news/east-central/1361927-hibernian-fc-demands-meetings-with-pitch-invasion-suspects/

[SlickShoes]

http://stv.tv/news/east-central/1361927-hibernian-fc-demands-meetings-with-pitch-invasion-suspects/

Hibs doing everything they can to drag hibs fans through the media piss pot again, thanks guys.

Everytime Hibs do this it makes it all seem 100x worse than it actually was.

[Borderhibbie76]

Hibs doing everything they can to drag hibs fans through the media piss pot again, thanks guys.

Everytime Hibs do this it makes it all seem 100x worse than it actually was.
The fans kicking up a fuss on here have caused this tbh - this will be where STV have lifted the story from. No matter which way u sit in this argument Hibs are trying to do everything to avoid a hefty fine...people who went onto the pitch jubilant or otherwise just have to suck it up I'm afraid - this thread is getting tiresome now

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Hibbyradge]

Hibs doing everything they can to drag hibs fans through the media piss pot again, thanks guys.

Everytime Hibs do this it makes it all seem 100x worse than it actually was.

It reads to me that Hibs are taking their responsibilities seriously.

As the pitch invasion was happening, RP refused to call Hibs fans a disgrace, despite pressure from the weegie media, but he said the behaviour was unnacceptable.

Having a word in the ear of the fans they've identified seems an appropriate and proportional response.

To do nothing would leave Hibs open to accusations of paying lip service to the rules, exactly what we berate The Rangers for doing over sectarian singing etc.

[SlickShoes]

It reads to me that Hibs are taking their responsibilities seriously.

As the pitch invasion was happening, RP refused to call Hibs fans a disgrace, despite pressure from the weegie media, but he said the behaviour was unnacceptable.

Having a word in the ear of the fans they've identified seems an appropriate and proportional response.

To do nothing would leave Hibs open to accusations of paying lip service to the rules, exactly what we berate The Rangers for doing over sectarian singing etc.

I agree we should be doing something but this instance is very very vague, it just gives the same media folk a chance to dredge up the usual nonsense they have been for months while Rangers fans go about life as normal being horrible cretins that no one in the media pays any attention to.

If I got a letter like that I'd want specifics before taking time out of my life and going in for a chat, it's far too vague of a letter to send out and suspend peoples memberships.

[Keith_M]

There was no violence in 99 because Hamilton fans didn't invade the park looking for a fight.


If the Cup Final had been played against ANY other side, there would have been NO violence.


I was a bit annoyed that Hibs Fans ran onto the pitch (as a result, there was no pitch side Cup Parade) but I soon got over it. For Hibs to be calling anybody in to Easter Road that simply ran onto the pitch, took a photo and ran straight back off is complete overkill.

Hibs appear to be allowing The Rangers and their subservient Media to set the agenda and have yet to defend the support as a whole against the slurs by The Rangers, their Media pals and their friends at the SFA, and have also failed to highlight the cover-up of the disgraceful behaviour of ALL The Rangers Fans that ran onto the pitch.

99.9% of Hibs Fans that ran onto the pitch did so out of jubiliation at the Cup Win. 100% of The Rangers Fans that ran onto the pitch did so to attack celebrating Hibs Fans. Nowhere in the media has this been pointed out and the Media appear to have gone out of their way to mention the allegiances of any Hibs Fans charged by the Police and purposely avoid mentioning the allegiances of any of The Rangers Fans (the worst being a The Rangers Fan from Dumbarton and a headline that said 'Dumbarton Fan Arrested For Violence At Cup Final')


I honestly feel a bit dissapointed by our Club in relation to all of this so far.

[Bostonhibby]

It reads to me that Hibs are taking their responsibilities seriously.

As the pitch invasion was happening, RP refused to call Hibs fans a disgrace, despite pressure from the weegie media, but he said the behaviour was unnacceptable.

Having a word in the ear of the fans they've identified seems an appropriate and proportional response.

To do nothing would leave Hibs open to accusations of paying lip service to the rules, exactly what we berate The Rangers for doing over sectarian singing etc.
You've reasoned this out very well as it's developed and this is probably where I am now on the subject, with the caveat that no penalty should be applied by Hibs to fans who were simply on the pitch celebrating.

The challenge then becomes what our club does to ensure the the rangers morons are proportionately punished, especially when they had no reason to be on the pitch and there's never going to be a more high profile example of a huge number of them singing a banned song at the end!

[Steve-O]

I know.

And Hamilton didn't send any letters out either.

Hibs myst deal with the realities of the situation with which they're faced.

Yes, The Rangers and media kicked up a storm so we must defend ourselves against that. Sticking 2 fingers up may generate some temporary satisfaction, but it would be interpreted as contempt for the rules and the SFA.

When Leeann is called up to face the "beaks", she will be able to say that Hibs have made every effort to put their own house in order, including the unusual step of speaking face to face with individual fans.

It seems that some people would like Hibs to defend the club with the argument that running on the pitch was ok because they were happy. That's really not going to gain much traction.

The other defence I'm hearing is that it wasn't our faukt, it was those nasty zombies at the other end. Well, that's exactly what they would say and we'd criticise them for doing so.

Let the SFA deal with The Rangers. We'll deal with our involvement.

The thing is though, these are assumptions. The only fact that we appear to have is a badly written letter. Hibs could've at least made some statement explaining that letters would be going out and outlining expectations of what was likely to happen.

It also doesn't sit right with me that they have received this information from an 'external party'. They should be admitting where this information has come from.

I'll be interested to see if someone who wasn't on the pitch gets a letter.

[Northernhibee]

The argument above is people saying they went on to avoid the crush, which is a legitimate concern for anyone seated near the aisle or the front. If you have sat in these seats when a goal is scored or your team wins the cup you pretty much always end up jumping about in the aisle.

I stayed off the pitch but the only point after full time when I was on my seat was when I was standing on it to take a photo of all the folk on the pitch, rest of the time I was all over the place finding people, hugging people etc.
If people went on the pitch were avoiding a crush then fair enough, assuming they went back into the stands at the earliest opportunity. The club won't be interested in that. It's the ones taking selfies and posting it on social media they will need to contact.

[oneone73]

If the Cup Final had been played against ANY other side, there would have been NO violence.


I was a bit annoyed that Hibs Fans ran onto the pitch (as a result, there was no pitch side Cup Parade) but I soon got over it. For Hibs to be calling anybody in to Easter Road that simply ran onto the pitch, took a photo and ran straight back off is complete overkill.

Hibs appear to be allowing The Rangers and their subservient Media to set the agenda and have yet to defend the support as a whole against the slurs by The Rangers, their Media pals and their friends at the SFA, and have also failed to highlight the cover-up of the disgraceful behaviour of ALL The Rangers Fans that ran onto the pitch.

99.9% of Hibs Fans that ran onto the pitch did so out of jubiliation at the Cup Win. 100% of The Rangers Fans that ran onto the pitch did so to attack celebrating Hibs Fans. Nowhere in the media has this been pointed out and the Media appear to have gone out of their way to mention the allegiances of any Hibs Fans charged by the Police and purposely avoid mentioning the allegiances of any of The Rangers Fans (the worst being a The Rangers Fan from Dumbarton and a headline that said 'Dumbarton Fan Arrested For Violence At Cup Final')


I honestly feel a bit dissapointed by our Club in relation to all of this so far.

This.

[Geo_1875]

Kilmarnock and Ayr United pitch invasions happened this year. How many of their fans who were simply on the park have been invited in for official meetings?

We are not talking about people involved in the fighting here. Simply the folk who went onto the park.

I don't know and I doubt many, if any, Hibs.net members know either.

Have you asked Kilmarnock or Ayr United how many? They're probably a better source for that information.

And while you're waiting for an answer you could come back on here and have a dig at Hibs.

[Andy74]

The fans kicking up a fuss on here have caused this tbh - this will be where STV have lifted the story from. No matter which way u sit in this argument Hibs are trying to do everything to avoid a hefty fine...people who went onto the pitch jubilant or otherwise just have to suck it up I'm afraid - this thread is getting tiresome now

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

This happens when you send letters out to fans - particularly ones who feel that there was no danger of any sort of action coming to them. It is going to get talked about and out there.

It is one of the things I hoped Hibs would take into account when considering whether this stage was really all that necessary..

[Radium]

The fans kicking up a fuss on here have caused this tbh - this will be where STV have lifted the story from. No matter which way u sit in this argument Hibs are trying to do everything to avoid a hefty fine...people who went onto the pitch jubilant or otherwise just have to suck it up I'm afraid - this thread is getting tiresome now

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

from this thread ... but they post a tweet as the source?

The club have chosen to remain silent and created the media vacuum, which in an age of omnipresent social media, was always going to see these threads spiral.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Geo_1875]

The thing is though, these are assumptions. The only fact that we appear to have is a badly written letter. Hibs could've at least made some statement explaining that letters would be going out and outlining expectations of what was likely to happen.

It also doesn't sit right with me that they have received this information from an 'external party'. They should be admitting where this information has come from.

I'll be interested to see if someone who wasn't on the pitch gets a letter.

Would you rather they published someone's name and address?

[Northernhibee]

You've reasoned this out very well as it's developed and this is probably where I am now on the subject, with the caveat that no penalty should be applied by Hibs to fans who were simply on the pitch celebrating.

The challenge then becomes what our club does to ensure the the rangers morons are proportionately punished, especially when they had no reason to be on the pitch and there's never going to be a more high profile example of a huge number of them singing a banned song at the end!

This. By doing everything we can and highlighting their failings in this we come out far better.

[Walter]

Why the over reaction. All the club are doing is speaking to identified fans and in my opinion asking them not to step over the line again. Are we really that over sensitive that we can't accept that what happened, even through over exuberance with no Mal intent did cause a disturbance, and the club have a duty to show an intent to prevent it happening again. I think they are going about it very softly so that there is a paper trail of their actions and can show a good attitude in response to it. I doubt Them in the west will act so responsibly.

[paddy1875]

I'm got a feeling this is just a surprise party btw.
When entering the room you'll be given a cold glass of champagne whilst the proclaimers play live in the corner of the room. A firm handshake from David gray and a thank you for your support.

[Geo_1875]

This happens when you send letters out to fans - particularly ones who feel that there was no danger of any sort of action coming to them. It is going to get talked about and out there.

It is one of the things I hoped Hibs would take into account when considering whether this stage was really all that necessary..

All the blame lies firstly with the people who were on the pitch and secondly with the recipient of the clubs letter who decided to bring it to public attention.

If you've got any blame left over pass it on to those who are being offended on behalf of those mentioned above.

[Since90+2]

I don't know and I doubt many, if any, Hibs.net members know either.

Have you asked Kilmarnock or Ayr United how many? They're probably a better source for that information.

And while you're waiting for an answer you could come back on here and have a dig at Hibs.

I think we all know the answer to the question dont we?

I will await your answer when no doubt you can have another dig at your fellow Hibs fans.

[Steve-O]

Would you rather they published someone's name and address?

I'm not saying it in a Sally McCoist "show me the names" way, I'd just be interested, if it were me, in finding out where this information had come from and how it was corroborated. Someone being accused in such a way has that right. Not just a wishy washy "we have information".

[Andy74]

Why the over reaction. All the club are doing is speaking to identified fans and in my opinion asking them not to step over the line again. Are we really that over sensitive that we can't accept that what happened, even through over exuberance with no Mal intent did cause a disturbance, and the club have a duty to show an intent to prevent it happening again. I think they are going about it very softly so that there is a paper trail of their actions and can show a good attitude in response to it. I doubt Them in the west will act so responsibly.

The reaction is due to the fact that after something that was a pretty happy occasion the club has been pretty much demonised in the press for weeks. The club has deliberately not defended the fans and has made it clear that the conduct of some was unacceptable. That's fine to an extent and shows we are dealing with it.

To go after fans, on a pretty selective basis, who appear to have done nothing else other than walk on the pitch when may thousands were on and take a few pictures or hug folk is a step too far.

The concerning thing is why these people have been picked - who has been sitting try to identify people who have done not a lot - was it the club, was it the police, was it opposition fans? Why did we accept this info and choose to do something pretty pointless about it?

Hibs could come out and say where this info came from and what they are seeking to do through the meetings. If it can't be justified to fans it shouldn't be done.

[Hibbyradge]

If the Cup Final had been played against ANY other side, there would have been NO violence.


I was a bit annoyed that Hibs Fans ran onto the pitch (as a result, there was no pitch side Cup Parade) but I soon got over it. For Hibs to be calling anybody in to Easter Road that simply ran onto the pitch, took a photo and ran straight back off is complete overkill.

Hibs appear to be allowing The Rangers and their subservient Media to set the agenda and have yet to defend the support as a whole against the slurs by The Rangers, their Media pals and their friends at the SFA, and have also failed to highlight the cover-up of the disgraceful behaviour of ALL The Rangers Fans that ran onto the pitch.

99.9% of Hibs Fans that ran onto the pitch did so out of jubiliation at the Cup Win. 100% of The Rangers Fans that ran onto the pitch did so to attack celebrating Hibs Fans. Nowhere in the media has this been pointed out and the Media appear to have gone out of their way to mention the allegiances of any Hibs Fans charged by the Police and purposely avoid mentioning the allegiances of any of The Rangers Fans (the worst being a The Rangers Fan from Dumbarton and a headline that said 'Dumbarton Fan Arrested For Violence At Cup Final')


I honestly feel a bit dissapointed by our Club in relation to all of this so far.

But there was violence, so while the media might have stoked the flames, the option of "turning a blind eye" to the pitch invasion wasn't open to the SFA.

You seem to be blaming Hibs for the media's bias. It was obvious that The Rangers wanted to engage Hibs in a war of words that, because of their influence over the media, we couldn't possibly win.

Hibs have kept their own council and concentrated on their own part in what happened, letting others make a fool of themselves.

[cmcd]

Why the over reaction. All the club are doing is speaking to identified fans and in my opinion asking them not to step over the line again. Are we really that over sensitive that we can't accept that what happened, even through over exuberance with no Mal intent did cause a disturbance, and the club have a duty to show an intent to prevent it happening again. I think they are going about it very softly so that there is a paper trail of their actions and can show a good attitude in response to it. I doubt Them in the west will act so responsibly.

This without a doubt

[Geo_1875]

I think we all know the answer to the question dont we?

I will await your answer when no doubt you can have another dig at your fellow Hibs fans.

If "we all know the answer" why are you asking the question and what has it got to do with the current situation?

[Hibbyradge]

The reaction is due to the fact that after something that was a pretty happy occasion the club has been pretty much demonised in the press for weeks. The club has deliberately not defended the fans and has made it clear that the conduct of some was unacceptable. That's fine to an extent and shows we are dealing with it.

To go after fans

Jeezo, Andy. Talk about "demonising"!

[TonyStokeprano]

The reaction is due to the fact that after something that was a pretty happy occasion the club has been pretty much demonised in the press for weeks. The club has deliberately not defended the fans and has made it clear that the conduct of some was unacceptable. That's fine to an extent and shows we are dealing with it.

To go after fans, on a pretty selective basis, who appear to have done nothing else other than walk on the pitch when may thousands were on and take a few pictures or hug folk is a step too far.

The concerning thing is why these people have been picked - who has been sitting try to identify people who have done not a lot - was it the club, was it the police, was it opposition fans? Why did we accept this info and choose to do something pretty pointless about it?

Hibs could come out and say where this info came from and what they are seeking to do through the meetings. If it can't be justified to fans it shouldn't be done.

That's my thoughts exactly , surely they coulda just said what they had to say in the letter, these meetings seem a complete waste of time and money.

[Since90+2]

If "we all know the answer" why are you asking the question and what has it got to do with the current situation?

It was a rhetorical question.

Maybe take a few minutes to think why it would be relevant to the situation we are discussing. You will get it eventually.

[Geo_1875]

It was a rhetorical question.

Maybe take a few minutes to think why it would be relevant to the situation we are discussing. You will get it eventually.

Oh I get it alright. You're deflecting by referring to incidents that occurred in totally different circumstances and had totally different outcomes.

[Since90+2]

Oh I get it alright. You're deflecting by referring to incidents that occurred in totally different circumstances and had totally different outcomes.

Totally different?

Please explain how someone who went onto the park at Hampden in celebration, did not fight or cause damage, simply took a few pictures and left is totally different to someone who went onto the park at Somerset Park in celebration, did not fight or cause damage , simply took a few pictures and left?

They are exactly the same except one club is now sending out official letters and suspending accounts.

[Baader]

Would've liked to have seen a lap of honour at Hampden. Pitch is the players domain, best just left to them. Celebrations were wild in the stands. Don't see why some feel they need to enter the field of play...

[Hibbyradge]

Totally different?

Please explain how someone who went onto the park at Hampden in celebration, did not fight or cause damage, simply took a few pictures and left is totally different to someone who went onto the park at Somerset Park in celebration, did not fight or cause damage , simply took a few pictures and left?

They are exactly the same except one club is now sending out official letters and suspending accounts.

The difference is, our club is in serious ***** this time.

The fact that fans got away with it before, is totally irrelevant. Try telling a judge that you shouldn't get banned because you've been drinking and driving for years!

I posted similar to this earlier.

The club's approach is different this time because the circumstances in which they find themselves are different and much more serious.

Previously, there was no fighting, no horses on the pitch, no ring of police officers, no broken crossbars or vandalised pitch the day before the Junior Cup Final.

It was also different because Hibs were prevented from doing a traditional lap of honour as a result of the fans' refusal to leave the pitch, and the fear of another invasion.

Hibs are facing punishment because of the fans' actions, so Hibs have every right to have a quiet word with those who have put the club in this position, although I'm sure the intention is more mitigation than scolding.

As understandable as the invasion was, those circumstances were very different to previous "invasions" so a different approach is justified and understandable.

[WhileTheChief..]

Who says the Club is in serious **** just now?

None of what happened was the responsibility of the Club.

Stewarding, policing etc had nowt to do with Hibs.

The line being trotted out here is that the club are trying to avoid a hefty fine. This is pure speculation.

There has been absolutely zero indication that Hibs are facing a fine.

[Mikey]

The fact that fans got away with it before, is totally irrelevant.

:agree:

Noun

whataboutery ‎(plural whatabouteries) (informal, pejorative)

Protesting at hypocrisy; responding to criticism by accusing one's opponent of similar or worse faults.

[Forza Fred]

I understand the club want to be seen to being doing everything they can internally to send the message to its supporters that invading the pitch is unacceptable.

However I'm not sure tapping people on the shoulder so today speak, without clearly telling them what evidence they have obtained, that indicates they WERE on the pitch, and more importantly, where that evidence came from, is appropriate.

Hibs should embrace the concept of transparency and inform everywhere how they obtained the information that 'infers' someone was on the park.

It is not beyond the realms of possibility that someone who may already be suffering from a mental health condition who received such a letter, could be tipped over the edge and do something we all regret.

How would Hibs look then?

I'm not sure this has been thoroughly thought through by those in charge.

[Geo_1875]

Totally different?

Please explain how someone who went onto the park at Hampden in celebration, did not fight or cause damage, simply took a few pictures and left is totally different to someone who went onto the park at Somerset Park in celebration, did not fight or cause damage , simply took a few pictures and left?

They are exactly the same except one club is now sending out official letters and suspending accounts.

Because none of the fans on the pitch at Somerset ran to the opposition fans and goaded them into entering the field for a pagger. If they had there would have been arrests, court cases and investigations taking place.

It's more similar to the Motherwell/Huns playoff last season which resulted in arrest, court cases and investigations. It also resulted in a fine for Motherwell.

[Geo_1875]

I understand the club want to be seen to being doing everything they can internally to send the message to its supporters that invading the pitch is unacceptable.

However I'm not sure tapping people on the shoulder so today speak, without clearly telling them what evidence they have obtained, that indicates they WERE on the pitch, and more importantly, where that evidence came from, is appropriate.

Hibs should embrace the concept of transparency and inform everywhere how they obtained the information that 'infers' someone was on the park.

It is not beyond the realms of possibility that someone who may already be suffering from a mental health condition who received such a letter, could be tipped over the edge and do something we all regret.

How would Hibs look then?

I'm not sure this has been thoroughly thought through by those in charge.

Just stop it. You're taking the piss now. Or do you work in the litigation industry and are looking for potential claimants.

[GreenLake]

I understand the club want to be seen to being doing everything they can internally to send the message to its supporters that invading the pitch is unacceptable.

However I'm not sure tapping people on the shoulder so today speak, without clearly telling them what evidence they have obtained, that indicates they WERE on the pitch, and more importantly, where that evidence came from, is appropriate.

Hibs should embrace the concept of transparency and inform everywhere how they obtained the information that 'infers' someone was on the park.

It is not beyond the realms of possibility that someone who may already be suffering from a mental health condition who received such a letter, could be tipped over the edge and do something we all regret.

How would Hibs look then?

I'm not sure this has been thoroughly thought through by those in charge.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FONN-0uoTHI

[Hibbyradge]

Who says the Club is in serious **** just now?

None of what happened was the responsibility of the Club.

Stewarding, policing etc had nowt to do with Hibs.

The line being trotted out here is that the club are trying to avoid a hefty fine. This is pure speculation.

There has been absolutely zero indication that Hibs are facing a fine.

After the final there were calls for Hibs to be given a Scottish Cup ban, never mind a fine.

I don't know what the inquiry will report, but I'm sure there will be conversations taking place about which, if any, penalties would be most appropriate.

I'd be extremely surprised if Rod Petrie wasn't aware of those discussions.

[Since90+2]

Because none of the fans on the pitch at Somerset ran to the opposition fans and goaded them into entering the field for a pagger. If they had there would have been arrests, court cases and investigations taking place.

It's more similar to the Motherwell/Huns playoff last season which resulted in arrest, court cases and investigations. It also resulted in a fine for Motherwell.

Motherwell have been fined? Must have missed that. Last I seen they were not due to find out their punishment until 2017.

[Keith_M]

But there was violence, so while the media might have stoked the flames, the option of "turning a blind eye" to the pitch invasion wasn't open to the SFA.

You seem to be blaming Hibs for the media's bias. It was obvious that The Rangers wanted to engage Hibs in a war of words that, because of their influence over the media, we couldn't possibly win.

Hibs have kept their own council and concentrated on their own part in what happened, letting others make a fool of themselves.


Utter nonsense! Please show me exactly in my post where I said that.


There is an assumption that the combination of Hibs silence on the Media and SFA bias and a lack of any attempt to defend the good name of the club in the face of repeated smears will all work out in the end and that, somehow, the Media will have a 'Road to Damascus' moment, see the light and report the facts, including highlighting the ridiculous remarks emanating from Ibrox for what they are and actually apportioning blame where it really is due.

Come one, does anybody really believe that's going to happen?

[southfieldhibby]

I'm got a feeling this is just a surprise party btw.
When entering the room you'll be given a cold glass of champagne whilst the proclaimers play live in the corner of the room. A firm handshake from David gray and a thank you for your support.

Delivered by Liam Henderson...

[BSEJVT]

Utter nonsense! Please show me exactly in my post where I said that.


There is an assumption that the combination of Hibs silence on the Media and SFA bias and a lack of any attempt to defend the good name of the club in the face of repeated smears will all work out in the end and that, somehow, the Media will have a 'Road to Damascus' moment, see the light and report the facts, including highlighting the ridiculous remarks emanating from Ibrox for what they are and actually apportioning blame where it really is due.

Come one, does anybody really believe that's going to happen?

Similarly does anyone really believe that if we had the Pope, The Queen and Mother Theresa telling everyone we were in bed with them at the time and couldn't have done it that the outcome would have been any different?

Hibs have sensibly kept their own counsel on this and tried to deal with matters internally in order to avoid fuelling the flames.

Its a pity that some in our support not only couldn't have done the same, but have gone out of their way to fling **** at the club and stir the problem up externally.

Regardless of any mitigating circumstances fans shouldn't have been on the park, that the vast vast majority were there for entirely peaceable reasons doesn't matter as they were unfortunately caught up in the lawlessness that followed.

Its entirely reasonable that they are asked questions and the outrage of those that are being asked them or those taking umbrage is futile, divisive and completely against the clubs interests.

If you were on the pitch, man up and take what's coming to you, don't bleat about it and the blame the club, it was you that was on the pitch ergo it is your responsibility.

The most basic question folk needed to ask themselves was " do you really think the club want to be doing this?"

As the answer is a definite no, then you can see they feel they are being forced to, maybe instead of beating them up over it we should be supporting them and following their lead?

The board have a legal duty to seek professional advice on matters outwith their ken or can be held personally liable for not doing so.

They have done so and been given professional advice over how to play this.

if the advice they received has led them to taking these actions they have my full support.

[SaulGoodman]

This reminds me of speeding.

Loads of people sit at 80-85 on the motorway, I see people do it all the time.. I'm guilty of doing it occasionally. You justify yourself by saying "it's not that bad, loads of people are doing it, it's hardly crime of the century"

But if the police pull up behind you and decide to single you out do you really have an argument for it?

Whether being on the pitch was hardly a big deal, it's still breaking the rules.

[paddy1875]

Delivered by Liam Henderson...

Haha brilliant mate! Can't believe I missed that!

[Since90+2]

Whether being on the pitch was hardly a big deal, it's still breaking the rules.

So is entering a stadium whilst drunk. Infact it's against the law.

Let's hope this is enforced next season as we can't have the rules being broken.

What percentage of fans at the final would have been drunk? tut tut.

[SON OF PADDY]

I'm got a feeling this is just a surprise party btw.
When entering the room you'll be given a cold glass of champagne whilst the proclaimers play live in the corner of the room. A firm handshake from David gray and a thank you for your support.



I wasn't on the park !
But would be delighted to receive a letter
" cold glass of champagne " you say.

[GreenCastle]

I'm got a feeling this is just a surprise party btw.
When entering the room you'll be given a cold glass of champagne whilst the proclaimers play live in the corner of the room. A firm handshake from David gray and a thank you for your support.

:faf::faf:

Made me laugh out loud!

.......

Anyway....So is anyone with a letter going to go for a meeting ?

As stated everyone knows going onto the pitch is against the rules - the issue I keep mentioning is the way it was actually handles by police and stewards at the time to avoid the bottle neck crushing near the steps - the gates were swung open.

You can see this in this video on the bottom left - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19_bVcBXUfc

I don't believe Hibs or Sevco will get a fine for this due to it being played at a neutral ground - lots of west coast media / fans nonsense.

[Hibbyradge]

Utter nonsense! Please show me exactly in my post where I said that.


There is an assumption that the combination of Hibs silence on the Media and SFA bias and a lack of any attempt to defend the good name of the club in the face of repeated smears will all work out in the end and that, somehow, the Media will have a 'Road to Damascus' moment, see the light and report the facts, including highlighting the ridiculous remarks emanating from Ibrox for what they are and actually apportioning blame where it really is due.

Come one, does anybody really believe that's going to happen?

No, I agree you didn't say that, but your last comment about being disappointed with the club after your attack on the media suggested that you were angry at Hibs because of their response to it.

What is there for Hibs to defend, though?

At least one Rangers player was indeed, "attacked". Hibs didn't comment, which irritated The Rangers, but that's for the police to deal with, and the truth of the extent of the event (s) is there for all to see.

A war of words would only end up making Hibs look like they were defending the indefensible. "It was only one player" isn't much of a defence.

Hibs fans did break the goalposts and dig up the turf. Thousands of fans did break the law by going onto the pitch.

How do Hibs defend that without looking ridiculous a la the "defending our players" pish from Ibrox? Hibs have said that in the main it was exuberance, but when dafties run up to the other end to goad the opposition fans, it puts our club in a difficult position.

Hibs decision to issue these letters will not have been taken lightly. There will be good reason for doing so and I am sure we'll hear the full story once the dust settles.

[SaulGoodman]

So is entering a stadium whilst drunk. Infact it's against the law.

Let's hope this is enforced next season as we can't have the rules being broken.

What percentage of fans at the final would have been drunk? tut tut.

But you're still proving my point, if you get lifted at the football for being pished you don't really have an argument because, as you say, it's against the rules. The same as being on the pitch.

[Gordy M]

So is entering a stadium whilst drunk. Infact it's against the law.

Let's hope this is enforced next season as we can't have the rules being broken.

What percentage of fans at the final would have been drunk? tut tut.

Yeh thats true but its only really for folk who are drunk and not able to look after themselves and most likely at the discretion of police/stewards . Similar to drunk and incapable. There is no legal definition for being drunk. So not really a proper comparison.

Its also illegal to enter licenced premises drunk.:wink:

[CentreLine]

:agree: Scandalous. Their fans have disgraced themselves on a weekly basis for years with their constant sectarian chanting and singing, violence and disorder, plus the spitting and missile throwing at away fans at Ibrox, then there's Manchester and so on, but you wouldn't know it, would you? Time and time again, the media and authorities insist on remaining selectively blind to it, out of fear in some cases, sheer sycophancy in others, and instead, shake their heads in outrage at the slightest infringement by anyone else.

In case anyone has forgotten, here is a photo of huns on the pitch at ER after they won the league. I look forward to all of these fans being identified retrospectively and sent letters.

I don't think the club need reminding. Rod Petrie mentioned it in his post match interview when he said "we have seen horses on the pitch at Easter Road in the past". I would suggest that we are in safe hands as far as the club handling of this is concerned but that does not mean that two wrongs make a right.

[snooky]

Delivered by Liam Henderson...

I bet the magician doesn't turn up.

[Since90+2]

But you're still proving my point, if you get lifted at the football for being pished you don't really have an argument because, as you say, it's against the rules. The same as being on the pitch.

Hibs are setting a new precedent here though.

If I report a dozen folk to them at a game next season for being at the match drunk are they going to suspend them all and send them a letter? After all its against the rules.

[Sas_The_Hibby]

The vast majority of fans who went on the pitch, as we all know, did not cause trouble. If the club has identified some of them then a letter reminding them of their responsibilities is justified in the light of Hibs being seen to fulfil their responsibilities. However, to call such people in for a meeting is complete overkill and likely to alienate not only those fans who took part in the pitch invasion and now seem to be being lumped in with those fighting, but also those, like me, who stayed off the pitch.This takes me back to the seventies when all fans were largely seen as, and treated as, the enemy, by the authorities and their own clubs. Up until now most of us have been 'on board' with the actions taken by Hibs but this overreaction risks throwing all that goodwill out the window.

[Hibbyradge]

So is entering a stadium whilst drunk. Infact it's against the law.

Let's hope this is enforced next season as we can't have the rules being broken.

What percentage of fans at the final would have been drunk? tut tut.

Goodness. Are you arguing that because sometimes the authorities turn a blind eye to technical breaches of the law, they should do so in all circumstances?

[staunchhibby]

Has there been any more letters recieved.Be interesting to hear from any body who has to attend the meeting and what the outcome is.

[The Green Goblin]

Similarly does anyone really believe that if we had the Pope, The Queen and Mother Theresa telling everyone we were in bed with them at the time and couldn't have done it that the outcome would have been any different?

Hibs have sensibly kept their own counsel on this and tried to deal with matters internally in order to avoid fuelling the flames.

Its a pity that some in our support not only couldn't have done the same, but have gone out of their way to fling **** at the club and stir the problem up externally.

Regardless of any mitigating circumstances fans shouldn't have been on the park, that the vast vast majority were there for entirely peaceable reasons doesn't matter as they were unfortunately caught up in the lawlessness that followed.

Its entirely reasonable that they are asked questions and the outrage of those that are being asked them or those taking umbrage is futile, divisive and completely against the clubs interests.

If you were on the pitch, man up and take what's coming to you, don't bleat about it and the blame the club, it was you that was on the pitch ergo it is your responsibility.

The most basic question folk needed to ask themselves was " do you really think the club want to be doing this?"

As the answer is a definite no, then you can see they feel they are being forced to, maybe instead of beating them up over it we should be supporting them and following their lead?

The board have a legal duty to seek professional advice on matters outwith their ken or can be held personally liable for not doing so.

They have done so and been given professional advice over how to play this.

if the advice they received has led them to taking these actions they have my full support.

Another cracker. :top marks

[The Green Goblin]

I don't think the club need reminding. Rod Petrie mentioned it in his post match interview when he said "we have seen horses on the pitch at Easter Road in the past". I would suggest that we are in safe hands as far as the club handling of this is concerned but that does not mean that two wrongs make a right.

No...I think he was talking about Rudi Skatchel.

[Since90+2]

Goodness. Are you arguing that because sometimes the authorities turn a blind eye to technical breaches of the law, they should do so in all circumstances?

What is a "technical" breach of the law?

[CB_NO3]

This reminds me of speeding.

Loads of people sit at 80-85 on the motorway, I see people do it all the time.. I'm guilty of doing it occasionally. You justify yourself by saying "it's not that bad, loads of people are doing it, it's hardly crime of the century"

But if the police pull up behind you and decide to single you out do you really have an argument for it?

Whether being on the pitch was hardly a big deal, it's still breaking the rules.
Would the Police chat to you or pass on your information to DVLA Swansea to call you for a chat?

[marinello59]

Would the Police chat to you or pass on your information to DVLA Swansea to call you for a chat?

No, you would just get charged. Would you prefer that happened here?

[CB_NO3]

No, you would just get charged. Would you prefer that happened here?
If the old bill feel me and 5k Hibs fans deserve a charge, on top of the thousands that done it over 6 games in the English playoffs the week before, as well as the Ayr fans a week before, then ill take it on the chin.

[NAE NOOKIE]

I just don't get why Hibs have decided to go down this route.

Is it not the case that the police have taken steps to identify and arrest the main culprits who attacked or threatened The Rangers staff and players and that the main culprits of those who were clearly goading the Sevco fans have also been arrested? Is it not the case that Hibs have and will hand out stadium bans to anybody found guilty by the courts?

There has been mention of Hibs acting on legal advice in regard to the sending of these letters. If that is the case then I would be very interested to hear what that legal advice was, in view of the fact that ..... 1) Under Scottish football rules there is no 'strict liability' which means that there is no way the SFA can punish Hibs for the actions of their fans, especially away from Easter Road. .... 2) The responsibility for security at the game was held by the SFA, whoever the security firm was and police Scotland, not Hibernian football club .... in which case surely any claim for damage done ( for example to the electronic advertising hoardings ) should be laid squarely at the door of those responsible for security on the day .... which clearly doesn't include Hibs.

As far as I can see Hibs have taken all the measures that could reasonably have been expected of them in the weeks following the final, including a general message to the fans that invading the pitch is unacceptable.

I just don't see what Hibs have further got to gain by suspending folks accounts and asking them to come into the stadium as if they were a naughty schoolboy being sent to the headmasters office, especially when it appears that the recipients of these letters did nothing more than go onto the pitch. If Hibs felt this action was necessary at all, why not just send out a letter saying that the fan concerned was seen on the pitch and explaining that it must not happen again.

Folk can take the moral high ground if they want and make the case that fans who went on the pitch broke the rules and therefor have to suck up any punishment the club sees fit ... there's no argument to be had against the fact that folk did something they should not, that's undeniable. But the other undeniable truth here is that no club in Scotland or the UK, certainly that I'm aware of, has ever seen fit to pursue its supporters to this extent after an incident of this nature ...... in that context you can hardly blame some supporters for starting to think that Hibs are going too far in reaction to pressure from outside and in doing that are acting excessively against their own supporters.

The end result of this could well be that 18 months of hard and productive work by the club and the fans to re engage with each other and bring us all back together again after years of division and bad feeling, not only between fans and club, but between the fans themselves, could very well end up being flushed down the bog and we will end up, if not back at square one, at the very least back in a situation where there is mistrust and acrimony between the club and those who support it.

Everybody agrees that the actions of The Rangers in the hours after the cup final were a joke ..... it seems to me that Hibs are determined to find the other side of that extreme coin and to my mind that's just as big a mistake.

[H18 SFR]

I hope I get a letter, I'd love to spend some time at Easter Road waiting for my dressing down, take a few selfies in the stadium, hopefully even get a glimpse of the cup close up - saving me having to pay for the privilege.

[marinello59]

If the old bill feel me and 5k Hibs fans deserve a charge, on top of the thousands that done it over 6 games in the English playoffs the week before, as well as the Ayr fans a week before, then ill take it on the chin.

They obviously don't though and have gone for a lesser option so boxes can be ticked. Of course if you would rather have people charged and banned we could maybe demand that the police sort this themselves.

[CB_NO3]

They obviously don't though and have gone for a lesser option so boxes can be ticked. Of course if you would rather have people charged and banned we could maybe demand that the police sort this themselves.
If the police want to speak to people then they should speak to people. Thats why we pay some of the highest tax in the world, to pay for policing and whatever else.

[Lmc2105]

EEN confirming that letters have been sent out.

[johnbc70]

I look forward to the day the same effort, time and money is spent by Police Scotland, the SFA, The Rangers and even our own club in identifying and and banning those that sing illegal sectarian songs on what seems a regular occurrence.

By our club I mean when visiting fans come to ER and sing such songs.

[marinello59]

If the police want to speak to people then they should speak to people. Thats why we pay some of the highest tax in the world, to pay for policing and whatever else.

Well if you think wasting more police time and money on this is worth while write to the
and demand they do so.

[bod]

EEN confirming that letters have been sent out.

all their reporters have to do is read this board,phone up ER to comfirm it then go to print

[Hibbyradge]

What is a "technical" breach of the law?

Really?

Ok, I'll indulge you.

For example, if you drive at 71mph on a motorway, you're technically breaking the law, but unless there were particular aggravating circumstances, the police wouldn't caution you.

If you've had a good kick at the ba' in the boozer before going to a game, you're unlikely to be pulled up for it unless you act like a proper dafty and cause bother.

[CB_NO3]

Well if you think wasting more police time and money on this is worth while write to the
and demand they do so.
Its not what I think, its what happens all over the world. If the authorities want to conduct an investigation or hand out warnings, they do it. What is a suit at ER going to do?

[marinello59]

I just don't see what Hibs have further got to gain by suspending folks accounts and asking them to come into the stadium as if they were a naughty schoolboy being sent to the headmasters office, especially when it appears that the recipients of these letters did nothing more than go onto the pitch. If Hibs felt this action was necessary at all, why not just send out a letter saying that the fan concerned was seen on the pitch and explaining that it must not happen again.


I don't agree with most of your post but I do agree with this bit. If they actually wanted a conversation with the individuals then perhaps saying that in order to prevent an account from being suspended could the person concerned please telephone the club to clarify things. Actually appearing in front of somebody at ER does sound a bit too much.

[Hibbyradge]

I look forward to the day the same effort, time and money is spent by Police Scotland, the SFA, The Rangers and even our own club in identifying and and banning those that sing illegal sectarian songs on what seems a regular occurrence.

By our club I mean when visiting fans come to ER and sing such songs.

The effort and time taken to write that letter were clearly minimal. :wink:

If Hibs have spent £30 on stamps, I'd be surprised.

[lucky]

Knowing RP the meetings will take place in the FF stand with an exit out through the shop.

[Keith_M]

So is entering a stadium whilst drunk. Infact it's against the law.

Let's hope this is enforced next season as we can't have the rules being broken.

What percentage of fans at the final would have been drunk? tut tut.


Singing banned songs that incite racial or religious hatred is illegal.

The Rangers fans sing them at every game.

Where's the condemnation, let alone the punishment?

[Scouse Hibee]

Haha I've just seen the images on the news and recognised the boy in the nets straight away. I must ask if he got a letter.

Edit: Just asked him,he received his letter yesterday and has contacted the club.

[GreenLake]

Its not what I think, its what happens all over the world. If the authorities want to conduct an investigation or hand out warnings, they do it. What is a suit at ER going to do?

Put a hold on a member's account?

[snooky]

Similarly does anyone really believe that if we had the Pope, The Queen and Mother Theresa telling everyone we were in bed with them at the time and couldn't have done it that the outcome would have been any different?

Hibs have sensibly kept their own counsel on this and tried to deal with matters internally in order to avoid fuelling the flames.

Its a pity that some in our support not only couldn't have done the same, but have gone out of their way to fling **** at the club and stir the problem up externally.

Regardless of any mitigating circumstances fans shouldn't have been on the park, that the vast vast majority were there for entirely peaceable reasons doesn't matter as they were unfortunately caught up in the lawlessness that followed.

Its entirely reasonable that they are asked questions and the outrage of those that are being asked them or those taking umbrage is futile, divisive and completely against the clubs interests.

If you were on the pitch, man up and take what's coming to you, don't bleat about it and the blame the club, it was you that was on the pitch ergo it is your responsibility.

The most basic question folk needed to ask themselves was " do you really think the club want to be doing this?"

As the answer is a definite no, then you can see they feel they are being forced to, maybe instead of beating them up over it we should be supporting them and following their lead?

The board have a legal duty to seek professional advice on matters outwith their ken or can be held personally liable for not doing so.

They have done so and been given professional advice over how to play this.

if the advice they received has led them to taking these actions they have my full support.

That's the trouble with the Law. It's an ass. :coffee:

[Kavinho]

100 pager..

Out of interest when exactly is the findings of the "independent inquiry" due to be released?

[Swedish hibee]

Do I get banned from Hibs TV if caught?

[Onion]

Nonsense. Sheer jubilation took them down the stairs to get as near the action as possible. I take it the hundreds of fans that ran down to the front after each of the goals were also trying to get on the pitch?

We have no obligation to be sending these letters and forcing fans in to meeting with the club. It's pandering to the huns, weegie media, SFA and Police Scotland who were left with egg on their face after they failed to properly police the event.

As a club we've already done more than enough to address what happened including handing out numerous bans, something which the other club involved don't seem to have done at all.

The club hasn't done itself any favours since the cup final.

All of this, spot on.

[WhileTheChief..]

In years to come, when 30000 Hibbies claim to have been on the pitch,at least you'll have this letter to prove that you were indeed one of the few whilst others have to convince folk that a wee patch of their lawn came from Hampden on that day.

It's a nice wee momento to add to your ticket stub and programme etc.

Get it framed :)

[El Gubbz]

In years to come, when 30000 Hibbies claim to have been on the pitch,at least you'll have this letter to prove that you were indeed one of the few whilst others have to convince folk that a wee patch of their lawn came from Hampden on that day.

It's a nice wee momento to add to your ticket stub and programme etc.

Get it framed :)

Great shout... Just wished they spelt my name right now.

I phoned the club up this morning and apparently this guy is off on holiday until Monday. Falkirk tickets on sale tomorrow... Am I innocent until proven guilty or can I no buy a ticket because he's away to seton sands for a week?

Having gone through my Facebook where there are no incriminating photos of me.. And on Twitter it's some impressive CSI stuff to pick my name out. Not bitter as I fully understand Hibs have to be seen to be doing all they can but... I do feel Lee Wallace may have a part to play in this

GGTTH

[Ronniekirk]

100 pager..

Out of interest when exactly is the findings of the "independent inquiry" due to be released?

They said they wanted it done and dusted before the new season started but no idea when any report will be published
I know i want to see the whole report but wonder if it will be available to anyone that requests it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BoomtownHibees]

I'm sure it was asked earlier but if they have a photo of "John Smith" on the pitch, how do they know that it's the "John Smith" that's on the database??

[BSEJVT]

That's the trouble with the Law. It's an ass. :coffee:

In this case I would agree

In general terms though I think Directors having personal liability for certain things is a good thing and should be extended

It might stop the Philip Greens of this world

Btw I am a company director so this isn't an anti director rant!

[johnbc70]

I'm sure it was asked earlier but if they have a photo of "John Smith" on the pitch, how do they know that it's the "John Smith" that's on the database??

They don't, but according to some the club have a legal responsibility to do something or maybe Petrie as Chairman gets charged for breaking this law that Hibs have a responsibility to uphold.

[CraigHibee]

That would be offensive behaviour act on individual, nothing to do with Hibs, does anyone understand Law, or are we just all being facetious?

had it only be a few folk i don't think a lot would have happened but due to the sheer volume, damaged to goals, ripped pitch and the sevconians storming the pitch to square go anyone wearing green this is the end result.

having looked over Facebook etc some folk are just dismissing it as a bit of "fun", but as the law states its illegal to storm the pitch and i believe a lot of people are just blinkered to it and think its acceptable due to winning the cup.

i completely understand emotions were running high but it is what it is, i personally hope its only a slap on the wrist for the folk involved but nobody knows what will happen

[Scouse Hibee]

I'm sure it was asked earlier but if they have a photo of "John Smith" on the pitch, how do they know that it's the "John Smith" that's on the database??

All part of the plan of making folk use the correct turnstiles. When you swipe your ticket and enter a digital image of your face is recorded. These images are matched up to ST used,once same person uses the ST a few times the image is assumed to be the named ST holder.







:-)

[GreenLake]

They said they wanted it done and dusted before the new season started but no idea when any report will be published
I know i want to see the whole report but wonder if it will be available to anyone that requests it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am interested in the missing 28 pages.

[Ronniekirk]

I am interested in the missing 28 pages.

Looking forward to page 92 which starts They have only gone and done t , What kept you Hibs oh **** where are all he Police and Stewards


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tollhouse Hibee]

For what it's worth, and I was at a wedding so couldn't be there, but if you go on the pitch and get caught you have to accept it It's no different to taking a piss up a close and getting caught by the pigs.

[ancient hibee]

For what it's worth, and I was at a wedding so couldn't be there, but if you go on the pitch and get caught you have to accept it It's no different to taking a piss up a close and getting caught by the pigs.

Sounds painful.

[joe breezy]

No letter for me.
Hoods are good.

[WestStandMoaner]

Nonsense. Sheer jubilation took them down the stairs to get as near the action as possible. I take it the hundreds of fans that ran down to the front after each of the goals were also trying to get on the pitch?

We have no obligation to be sending these letters and forcing fans in to meeting with the club. It's pandering to the huns, weegie media, SFA and Police Scotland who were left with egg on their face after they failed to properly police the event.

As a club we've already done more than enough to address what happened including handing out numerous bans, something which the other club involved don't seem to have done at all.

The club hasn't done itself any favours since the cup final.

Agree totally as per usual with Hibs there is no need to do this, I hope at some point they respond to Sevco and their lies but I doubt it. Feel good factor is great at the moment hibs need to be careful or all the good work will have been wasted. Letters to young boys who went onto the park to celebrate is a joke, all this just so we pander to the west coast media, the blame for this is the inadequate police response when we equalised and the lack of planning from the SFA. As for not getting the lap of honour that was done purely to spite us, do you think if Celtic fans had invaded the pitch would they stop their players from coming out with the cup, none of them thought we had any chance, look at Stewart Regan face in the tunnel as two sevco officials took him to the side, one of them handing him a mobile, ask yourself who was he speaking to on a mobile phone. Regan is like Doncaster they will do anything for sevco

[Biggie]

For what it's worth, and I was at a wedding so couldn't be there, but if you go on the pitch and get caught you have to accept it It's no different to taking a piss up a close and getting caught by the pigs.

"getting caught by the pigs"..........really ?...JHC

[hhibs]

Can whoever this is explain what law obliges Hibs to investigate? Sounds completely made up.

Yes it does sound unlikely,would I love to know is how the organisation ,Hibernian FC is obliged to investigate information from any source,if its criminal activity that is a matter for the police and Fiscals office, anything other than that cannot see what it could be that has generated this set of actions from Hibernian FC.

I am increasingly concerned that these actions are not well thought out ,may indeed have unintended consequences for the club and more importantly the support.

At the very least this has been poorly handled ,again,I am really unsure and unhappy about the actions the Board and/or its representatives are following,we have been here before, have we not.

Feel good factor, positive feelings for the season ahead all evaporating ,I think since the cup win there has been singular lack of posiitve actions from the leadership at Hibs ,new manager excepted. IMHO

[Ronniekirk]

Just saw it on 10 30 news showing a clip of fans on the pitch confirming hibs had banned temporarily a number of fans identified as being on the pitch until they have a meeting with the Club
West of Scotland STV news
Nothing about The Rangers lack of Action re their fans
We as a Club are going to be in the lime light in a negative way till this is finally dealt with
Think Hibs should be pushing for definite time frame now as really don't want this dragging on
We all know what the issues are they and lets put this to ned now and get a line drawn under it



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GreenLake]

Agree totally as per usual with Hibs there is no need to do this, I hope at some point they respond to Sevco and their lies but I doubt it. Feel good factor is great at the moment hibs need to be careful or all the good work will have been wasted. Letters to young boys who went onto the park to celebrate is a joke, all this just so we pander to the west coast media, the blame for this is the inadequate police response when we equalised and the lack of planning from the SFA. As for not getting the lap of honour that was done purely to spite us, do you think if Celtic fans had invaded the pitch would they stop their players from coming out with the cup, none of them thought we had any chance, look at Stewart Regan face in the tunnel as two sevco officials took him to the side, one of them handing him a mobile, ask yourself who was he speaking to on a mobile phone. Regan is like Doncaster they will do anything for sevco

I don't know who he was speaking to but I imagine these words could have been part of what he heard.

"Whisky Tango Foxtrot! Hibs won? Oh crap. How are we to stop a pitch invasion when we are heading to Ibrox for the perty?"

[CapitalGreen]

STV news said Police Scotland have stated that they have nothing to do with the letters being sent out. So who was this third party that apparently provided Hibs with a list of names?

[hhibs]

STV news said Police Scotland have stated that they have nothing to do with the letters being sent out. So who was this third party that apparently provided Hibs with a list of names?


And why did the club take any action based on that third party information?

[GreenLake]

STV news said Police Scotland have stated that they have nothing to do with the letters being sent out. So who was this third party that apparently provided Hibs with a list of names?

Weedgieleaks

[Danderhall Hibs]

STV news said Police Scotland have stated that they have nothing to do with the letters being sent out. So who was this third party that apparently provided Hibs with a list of names?

I thought it was common knowledge that it was Lee Wallace?

[CapitalGreen]

And why did the club take any action based on that third party information?

Hibs were asked for comment but refused.

[s.a.m]

Yes it does sound unlikely,would I love to know is how the organisation ,Hibernian FC is obliged to investigate information from any source,if its criminal activity that is a matter for the police and Fiscals office, anything other than that cannot see what it could be that has generated this set of actions from Hibernian FC.

I am increasingly concerned that these actions are not well thought out ,may indeed have unintended consequences for the club and more importantly the support.

At the very least this has been poorly handled ,again,I am really unsure and unhappy about the actions the Board and/or its representatives are following,we have been here before, have we not.

Feel good factor, positive feelings for the season ahead all evaporating ,I think since the cup win there has been singular lack of posiitve actions from the leadership at Hibs ,new manager excepted. IMHO


Donkeys' years ago, (early 1990s?), the police said to the SFA: we'd rather not get involved (within reason), but if you don't start taking control and dealing with bad behaviour, then that's what will happen. They were talking, as I remember, about violence on the field of play at that time. I wonder if this is similar though? The police would rather not /don't have the resources to deal with the pitch invasion (outside of clear criminal behaviour), and would prefer, ideally, that the football authorities or clubs deal with it. Assuming that folks requested to attend are simply reminded of their legal obligations, and asked not to do it again, it seems to me to be a reasonably low-key way out of the situation for everyone involved. I can't see that prosecuting non-violent (or vandalising) pitch-invaders is in anyone's interests?

[hhibs]

Hibs were asked for comment but refused.


Hmm,here we go again,sure looks like old habits die hard at this club.

[Hi Heid Yin]

How some posters can possibly be upset to see our club taking every step it can to deal with those who illegally entered the field of play that day, is ridiculous.
Do we need reminding that the baying authorities (with the power to hit our club where it hurts) are watching from the wings?

[Baldy Foghorn]

Hmm,here we go again,sure looks like old habits die hard at this club.

What do you want them to say?

[Andy74]

What do you want them to say?

I think in any sort of business if you want to call it that, if you can't justify or explain an action to your stakeholders then it shouldn't be done.

Do they not want to say where they got the names? If not they shouldn't pursue the names they have.

[Baldy Foghorn]

I think in any sort of business if you want to call it that, if you can't justify or explain an action to your stakeholders then it shouldn't be done.

Do they not want to say where they got the names? If not they shouldn't pursue the names they have.

If they said everyone on pitch will be called in for a meeting, this place will go into meltdown.

What if they trawled social media sites?

[johnbc70]

So Hibs say they are legally obliged to follow up, nobody can find or point to any such law. Police Scotland now say nothing to do with them.

Maybe if the Hibs man never said they had some legal requirement to do something it would not be such a big deal as he is clearly talking a load of nonsense.

[CapitalGreen]

If they said everyone on pitch will be called in for a meeting, this place will go into meltdown.

What if they trawled social media sites?

They are telling supporters who have received letters and contacted the club that names were received from a third party.

[Hibbyradge]

A man was sentenced to carry out 110 hours of unpaid work and handed a three year Football Banning Order for running onto the pitch during a Dundee United versus Dynamo Moscow football match.

During the match at Tannadice on 2nd August 2012, Dundee United had just scored a goal when Barry McHugh ran onto the pitch and up to the celebrating players before he jumped back into the stand and tried to hide.

The Banning Order means that as well as the sentence imposed by the court he was be banned from all regulated football matches throughout the whole of the United Kingdom for a period of three years.

The folk who Hibs have identified as having been on the pitch at Hampden are only getting a quiet word.

[Baldy Foghorn]

They are telling supporters who have received letters and contacted the club that names were received from a third party.

Interesting.....Wonder who is doing the telling?

[Baader]

Football here could end up with nets put up between fans and the pitch like in the Bundesliga at some point. Bringing down the fences was a victory for football fans so it's not good to see anything that will take us a step further back toward this sort of thing.

[Forza Fred]

STV news said Police Scotland have stated that they have nothing to do with the letters being sent out. So who was this third party that apparently provided Hibs with a list of names?

Sounds like there has been some "in house" identification......Hibs should be upfront about how these identifications that led them to have information that "infers" certain people were on the park.... were in fact arrived at.

Otherwise, it may create a much less trusting environment in future relations between fans and officialdom.

And as far as I know, nobody who attended from overseas has received a letter..........was it just a sweep of people who were personally known to certain individuals at the club who were summoned?

[lord bunberry]

A man was sentenced to carry out 110 hours of unpaid work and handed a three year Football Banning Order for running onto the pitch during a Dundee United versus Dynamo Moscow football match.

During the match at Tannadice on 2nd August 2012, Dundee United had just scored a goal when Barry McHugh ran onto the pitch and up to the celebrating players before he jumped back into the stand and tried to hide.

The Banning Order means that as well as the sentence imposed by the court he was be banned from all regulated football matches throughout the whole of the United Kingdom for a period of three years.

The folk who Hibs have identified as having been on the pitch at Hampden are only getting a quiet word.
He was dealt with by the police and the courts. The police aren't interested in the hibs fans who were on the pitch to take photos so why are hibs?

[Forza Fred]

Interesting.....Wonder who is doing the telling?

Exactly.....and also why the club appear very unwilling to disclose that.

If they believe their actions are appropriate, fair enough, but let's know the source of the 'inferences' and how come with literally thousands on the park, why only a relatively few have been identified.

Are they the ones personally known to an individual or individuals at the club?

[1875STEVE]

Whatever you feelings on the matter, it just shows the authorities are hypocrites.

You read Scottish newspapers (the same ones coming after us), talk to ex players etc (and the goals were snapped, grass was taken etc) and this is seen as a laugh/harmless fun:

17223

Yet this is terrible:

17224

And I'm pretty sure pics from Wembley 77 are up in the SFA museum.......

[BSEJVT]

Interesting.....Wonder who is doing the telling?

Its obvious who is doing the telling, why folk cant that see that escapes me.

Its quite clearly the Police.

They are the only people who could unequivocally identify those involved or with the resources or the interest in doing so, folk who have received those letters will have been found as part of the search for the vandals and the fighters and there is no way the Police can just turn a blind eye to it given the profile of this situation and their shortcomings in its creation.

There is no way Hibs would or could do this even if they wanted to, they couldn't tie John Smith's Facebook account to John Smith's season ticket

They would need an army of people to do the work and word would have got out

Sometimes all folk have to do is ask themselves the obvious question.

[Kojock]

Maybe the "third party" is Hibs.net? after all there was a thread on here with people quite openly saying they were on the pitch.

[Since90+2]

Its obvious who is doing the telling, why folk cant that see that escapes me.

Its quite clearly the Police.

They are the only people who could unequivocally identify those involved or with the resources or the interest in doing so, folk who have received those letters will have been found as part of the search for the vandals and the fighters and there is no way the Police can just turn a blind eye to it given the profile of this situation and their shortcomings in its creation.

There is no way Hibs would or could do this even if they wanted to, they couldn't tie John Smith's Facebook account to John Smith's season ticket

They would need an army of people to do the work and word would have got out

Sometimes all folk have to do is ask themselves the obvious question.

Polive Scotland have said it's nothing to do with them. Are they lying then?

[marinello59]

Polive Scotland have said it's nothing to do with them. Are they lying then?

Haven't they said the letters are nowt to do with them?
That's different from saying that they didn't pass information to the club.

[Forza Fred]

Its obvious who is doing the telling, why folk cant that see that escapes me.

Its quite clearly the Police.

They are the only people who could unequivocally identify those involved or with the resources or the interest in doing so, folk who have received those letters will have been found as part of the search for the vandals and the fighters and there is no way the Police can just turn a blind eye to it given the profile of this situation and their shortcomings in its creation.

There is no way Hibs would or could do this even if they wanted to, they couldn't tie John Smith's Facebook account to John Smith's season ticket

They would need an army of people to do the work and word would have got out

Sometimes all folk have to do is ask themselves the obvious question.


If it so clear that it is the police, then surely all the club had to do was to say that the letters were sent based on information passed to them by the police, instead of playing secret squirrel stuff?

[Kojock]

My take on it is the info has come from Police Scotland. The police will deal with the violence side of thing and are allowing Hibs to deal with the people on the bar etc.

[Jones28]

Whatever you feelings on the matter, it just shows the authorities are hypocrites.

You read Scottish newspapers (the same ones coming after us), talk to ex players etc (and the goals were snapped, grass was taken etc) and this is seen as a laugh/harmless fun:

17223

Yet this is terrible:

17224

And I'm pretty sure pics from Wembley 77 are up in the SFA museum.......

This.

One is an iconus moment of Scottish football history, the other is a disgraceful scene that the authorities want to clamp down on.

I wonder how many Scotland fans were sent letters.

[Kojock]

If it so clear that it is the police, then surely all the club had to do was to say that the letter were sent based on information passed to them by the police, instead of playing secret squirrel stuff?
pass

That would explain the legal obligation part of things. If Hibs don't deal with it then the Police will. I'm sure most folk would rather have a letter from Hibs than an early morning knock on the door.

[blackpoolhibs]

Someone is lying, if this information did not come from the police, then the club are not legally bound to follow anything up.

A letter telling EVERYONE off who was on the park maybe in the Evening news and on the official site would be enough to cover this.

Inviting folk in AFTER suspending their accounts smells dodgy to me.

[Beefster]

Anyone been in for their bollocking yet?

FWIW, if I got a letter like that from Hibs, I'd tell them to stick it up their arse, hand back my ST and attend games when I fancied. But then, I'm over 14 so I didn't go onto the pitch.

[Simkin911]

Reading this thread, it looks like the McGregor fella is on holiday. Not particularly good planning to issue the letters and immediately go on holiday when folk are trying to make contact. Sounds like it's added to the confusion and uncertainty here.

[Forza Fred]

Someone is lying, if this information did not come from the police, then the club are not legally bound to follow anything up.

A letter telling EVERYONE off who was on the park maybe in the Evening news and on the official site would be enough to cover this.

Inviting folk in AFTER suspending their accounts smells dodgy to me.

In fairness to the club, they could argue that they are just enforcing their own policy on unacceptable conduct, although they are not legally bound to do so, it would prevent others asking why they didn't.

The second and third paragraphs though I entirely agree with, and if you suspend someone's accounts and won't lift it until they front up, it's more a summons than an invite.

[Forza Fred]

That would explain the legal obligation part of things. If Hibs don't deal with it then the Police will. I'm sure most folk would rather have a letter from Hibs than an early morning knock on the door.

But Hibs are NOT under any legal obligation.

They may consider it 'good business' as a way to minimise any flak, but they are not an additional resource for Police Scotland.

[Brightside]

Has any single person actually had a meeting with the guy? or are we just continuing with the faux outrage.

[Scouse Hibee]

Has any single person actually had a meeting with the guy? or are we just continuing with the faux outrage.

He's on holiday so I doubt it.

[Kojock]

But Hibs are NOT under any legal obligation.

They may consider it 'good business' as a way to minimise any flak, but they are not an additional resource for Police Scotland.

It's like the Police being called to a fight at the school and allowing the headmaster to deal with it.

[Onion]

A man was sentenced to carry out 110 hours of unpaid work and handed a three year Football Banning Order for running onto the pitch during a Dundee United versus Dynamo Moscow football match.

During the match at Tannadice on 2nd August 2012, Dundee United had just scored a goal when Barry McHugh ran onto the pitch and up to the celebrating players before he jumped back into the stand and tried to hide.

The Banning Order means that as well as the sentence imposed by the court he was be banned from all regulated football matches throughout the whole of the United Kingdom for a period of three years.

The folk who Hibs have identified as having been on the pitch at Hampden are only getting a quiet word.

How do we know that ? Who knows what the outcome of any "meeting" is likely to be ? Fact is, we don't.

[BSEJVT]

Haven't they said the letters are nowt to do with them?
That's different from saying that they didn't pass information to the club.

Exactly

[Forza Fred]

He's on holiday so I doubt it.

Sounds like the old fireworks instructions......"light the blue touch paper and retire to a safe distance....":greengrin

[BSEJVT]

If it so clear that it is the police, then surely all the club had to do was to say that the letters were sent based on information passed to them by the police, instead of playing secret squirrel stuff?

The club are trying to say as little as possible publicly so as not to fuel the flames further.

They are dealing with it both professionally and sensitively by contacting only those that have been identified.

Maybe they think that's a better idea than alarming everyone who was on the pitch that the police may have their details and that they can expect some for of action?

[CropleyWasGod]

Maybe the "third party" is Hibs.net? after all there was a thread on here with people quite openly saying they were on the pitch.
I doubt the admins on here would be disclosing names and addresses. That would be breaking the law :)

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

[Onion]

Its obvious who is doing the telling, why folk cant that see that escapes me.

Its quite clearly the Police.

They are the only people who could unequivocally identify those involved or with the resources or the interest in doing so, folk who have received those letters will have been found as part of the search for the vandals and the fighters and there is no way the Police can just turn a blind eye to it given the profile of this situation and their shortcomings in its creation.

There is no way Hibs would or could do this even if they wanted to, they couldn't tie John Smith's Facebook account to John Smith's season ticket

They would need an army of people to do the work and word would have got out

Sometimes all folk have to do is ask themselves the obvious question.

If the police have asked the club to do this, and it is based purely on being in the pitch (that being an offence), then we can expect Sevco to start issuing their letters soon ?

[BSEJVT]

If the police have asked the club to do this, and it is based purely on being in the pitch (that being an offence), then we can expect Sevco to start issuing their letters soon ?

To be honest I don't know and couldn't give a ****

Maybe they have differing legal advice I (it isn't unknown) or maybe they are less concerned about possible sanctions than Hibs

Look at the alternatives

Who else do you think has provided the info?

Are you guys seriously suggesting that Hibs have looked through the ticket purchasers database and then trawled through social media to try and match names?

Even then as they have no photo ID they couldn't match John Smith to any given facebook holder called John Smith

The manpower required would be enormous as would the technology requirement and they would run into all sorts of data protection issues

[marinello59]

It's like the Police being called to a fight at the school and allowing the headmaster to deal with it.

Exactly.

[Forza Fred]

The club are trying to say as little as possible publicly so as not to fuel the flames further.

They are dealing with it both professionally and sensitively by contacting only those that have been identified.

Maybe they think that's a better idea than alarming everyone who was on the pitch that the police may have their details and that they can expect some for of action?

You are entitled to take that view, but I would suggest that if they seriously thought that somehow once the (unknown number of ) letters were issued that it wouldn't be publicly raised, then they seriously misread the tea leaves

Putting the pros and cons of that action to one side, I see no benefit/justification for not telling us who supplied the information that identified those 'inferred' to have been on the pitch.

If it WAS the police, then I think most people would accept that there would have been some kind of due diligence attached to it...and accept it.

The refusal to be open about it though, WILL cause
people to question it.

All they need to say was...the letters were issued to individuals based on information provided by Police Scotland.

[Andy74]

You are entitled to take that view, but I would suggest that if they seriously thought that somehow once the (unknown number of ) letters were issued that it wouldn't be publicly raised, then they seriously misread the tea leaves

Putting the pros and cons of that action to one side, I see no benefit/justification for not telling us who supplied the information that identified those 'inferred' to have been on the pitch.

If it WAS the police, then I think most people would accept that there would have been some kind of due diligence attached to it...and accept it.

The refusal to be open about it though, WILL cause
people to question it.

All they need to say was...the letters were issued to individuals based on information provided by Police Scotland.

Well these are the things we'd quite like to know because the police have said it wasn't them.

You've been trying to say Hibs had to do this. You've no more idea that's true. Some clarity would be good because as I've said from the start this looks very selective, petty, pretty underhand and not good at all for perceptions of Hibs from the fans point of view.

It's a pretty pathetic course of action and you get the impression now that they aren't willing to justify it because they can't.

[Onion]

The club are trying to say as little as possible publicly so as not to fuel the flames further.

They are dealing with it both professionally and sensitively by contacting only those that have been identified.

Maybe they think that's a better idea than alarming everyone who was on the pitch that the police may have their details and that they can expect some for of action?

The professional approach would be to take definitive action where they have clear evidence. Where they don't, they should deal with the whole thing in writing. Selectively suspending individual accounts until that person has a "meeting" is utterly bizarre, and probably not legal. Makes Hibs look like a stuffy, 19th century golf club.

[Forza Fred]

Well these are the things we'd quite like to know because the police have said it wasn't them.

You've been trying to say Hibs had to do this. You've no more idea that's true. Some clarity would be good because as I've said from the start this looks very selective, petty, pretty underhand and not good at all for perceptions of Hibs from the fans point of view.

It's a pretty pathetic course of action and you get the impression now that they aren't willing to justify it because they can't.

Andy, I haven't actually said Hibs HAD to do this.....I have said that they may have thought it a good idea from a business sense point of view.....but that is not necessarily a position I personally subscribe to.

I agree with the other points you make, and in summary my main concerns are about communication and openness.

[GloryGlory]

Andy, I haven't actually said Hibs HAD to do this.....I have said that they may have thought it a good idea from a business sense point of view.....but that is not necessarily a position I personally subscribe to.

I agree with the other points you make, and in summary my main concerns are about communication and openness.

We still haven't heard the outcome of the "independent" enquiry, so Hibs are IMO doing everything possible to mitigate what could be a heavy fine. Effectively, Hibs are yellow carding the pitch invaders - naughty, naughty don't do it again!

[BSEJVT]

You are entitled to take that view, but I would suggest that if they seriously thought that somehow once the (unknown number of ) letters were issued that it wouldn't be publicly raised, then they seriously misread the tea leaves

Putting the pros and cons of that action to one side, I see no benefit/justification for not telling us who supplied the information that identified those 'inferred' to have been on the pitch.

If it WAS the police, then I think most people would accept that there would have been some kind of due diligence attached to it...and accept it.

The refusal to be open about it though, WILL cause
people to question it.

All they need to say was...the letters were issued to individuals based on information provided by Police Scotland.

They have clearly decided not to, why I couldn't say with any certainty, but I have my suspicions which I have provided.

If the OP's relative was worried by contact from the club, he would probably be wetting himself at contact from the Police, its far less threatening and it gives the club the chance to say, this was brought to our attention and we acted upon it to the football authorities.

What more can we do?

Okay then if its not the Police

Who is it?

If it were you or I or any other individuals they wouldn't entertain us.

How do you think they got the info?

Why on earth would they do such a thing?

Even before this, the club's handling of the fall out from the post match activities has been a sore point for many

Proactively seeking out people to "punish" would be a spectacular own goal if the worst they did was go on the pitch

The blanket e-mail to all on not going on the pitch was the clubs attempt to say look we have done something

They have clearly been presented with individual details and either are or feel required to do something

I don't believe for even one minute they have proactively sought to identify those involved themselves.

We trust them to run our football club, we have fans representatives on the board, they have delivered for us since Leeann came in

Why wont some trust them now and instead of bleating about this and wasted opportunities post cup final, finally accept that the actions of those that ran on the pitch have forced the club to divert substantial resource to dealing with the aftermath.

Resource that would have been better employed addressing the wasted opportunities.

Nah its easier to play the I am offended card and claim that the club should be standing up for them.

It shouldn't, they were and are wrong and whilst I understand the background, it doesn't make it right and like it or not those actions have and are harming the club.

This will directly impact the team on the park and our future prospects

You will need to forgive me if I don't have much sympathy for those involved

[BSEJVT]

Well these are the things we'd quite like to know because the police have said it wasn't them. .

No they have not, at least not to this point.

They have said they weren't behind the issue of the letters

[Onion]

To be honest I don't know and couldn't give a ****

Maybe they have differing legal advice I (it isn't unknown) or maybe they are less concerned about possible sanctions than Hibs

Look at the alternatives

Who else do you think has provided the info?

Are you guys seriously suggesting that Hibs have looked through the ticket purchasers database and then trawled through social media to try and match names?

Even then as they have no photo ID they couldn't match John Smith to any given facebook holder called John Smith

The manpower required would be enormous as would the technology requirement and they would run into all sorts of data protection issues

Keep your hat on. I actually agree with you and just suggesting that if the police are the 3rd party then reasonable to assume they'll also have identified a few Sevco fans who were also on the pitch and asked Sevco to issue letters and arrange "meetings".

[Kojock]

The professional approach would be to take definitive action where they have clear evidence. Where they don't, they should deal with the whole thing in writing. Selectively suspending individual accounts until that person has a "meeting" is utterly bizarre, and probably not legal. Makes Hibs look like a stuffy, 19th century golf club.

They obviously have clear evidence as every person on here who had received a letter have stated they were on the pitch.

[Onion]

They obviously have clear evidence as every person on here who had received a letter have stated they were on the pitch.

So Hibs should send them a personalised warning letter and be done with it.

[CapitalGreen]

The club are trying to say as little as possible publicly so as not to fuel the flames further.

They are dealing with it both professionally and sensitively by contacting only those that have been identified.

Maybe they think that's a better idea than alarming everyone who was on the pitch that the police may have their details and that they can expect some for of action?

It was a main news story on the national news last night so they have failed in that regard.

[Scouse Hibee]

It was a main news story on the national news last night so they have failed in that regard.

Or have they?

[Benny Brazil]

Or have they?

Exactly the powers that be will have taken note that the club are doing something off their own back so any punishment will take this into account

[Andy74]

Exactly the powers that be will have taken note that the club are doing something off their own back so any punishment will take this into account

This is a bit like the 100k for Griffiths..

[Forza Fred]

They have clearly decided not to, why I couldn't say with any certainty, but I have my suspicions which I have provided.

If the OP's relative was worried by contact from the club, he would probably be wetting himself at contact from the Police, its far less threatening and it gives the club the chance to say, this was brought to our attention and we acted upon it to the football authorities.

What more can we do?

Okay then if its not the Police

Who is it?

If it were you or I or any other individuals they wouldn't entertain us.

How do you think they got the info?

Why on earth would they do such a thing?

Even before this, the club's handling of the fall out from the post match activities has been a sore point for many

Proactively seeking out people to "punish" would be a spectacular own goal if the worst they did was go on the pitch

The blanket e-mail to all on not going on the pitch was the clubs attempt to say look we have done something

They have clearly been presented with individual details and either are or feel required to do something

I don't believe for even one minute they have proactively sought to identify those involved themselves.

We trust them to run our football club, we have fans representatives on the board, they have delivered for us since Leeann came in

Why wont some trust them now and instead of bleating about this and wasted opportunities post cup final, finally accept that the actions of those that ran on the pitch have forced the club to divert substantial resource to dealing with the aftermath.

Resource that would have been better employed addressing the wasted opportunities.

Nah its easier to play the I am offended card and claim that the club should be standing up for them.

It shouldn't, they were and are wrong and whilst I understand the background, it doesn't make it right and like it or not those actions have and are harming the club.

This will directly impact the team on the park and our future prospects

You will need to forgive me if I don't have much sympathy for those involved



Eventually got through your response, much of which I agree with, but I still don't get why Hibs apparently STILL won't say where they got the information from.

Simply makes no sense to attempt to keep it as some kind of secret

[Bostonhibby]

So Hibs say they are legally obliged to follow up, nobody can find or point to any such law. Police Scotland now say nothing to do with them.

Maybe if the Hibs man never said they had some legal requirement to do something it would not be such a big deal as he is clearly talking a load of nonsense.
Might have a civil or contractual obligation to say, the GFA that is also enforcable at common law rather than criminal law?

I don't know, just a thought.

[BSEJVT]

It was a main news story on the national news last night so they have failed in that regard.

Do you suggest they can control the press and tell them what they can and cannot print and put on the news?

WTF are they supposed to do?

Maybe if folk had been a bit more chilled about the whole thing and took the clubs side instead of the kangaroo court judging they have had by some on here on the basis of speculation and innuendo it wouldn't have reached the press or they would have seen it as a storm in a tea cup and not bothered?

[BSEJVT]

Keep your hat on. I actually agree with you and just suggesting that if the police are the 3rd party then reasonable to assume they'll also have identified a few Sevco fans who were also on the pitch and asked Sevco to issue letters and arrange "meetings".

Apologies the couldn't give a **** wasn't directed at you?

I just couldn't

The Rangers don't interest me, Hibs do

[BSEJVT]

Eventually got through your response, much of which I agree with, but I still don't get why Hibs apparently STILL won't say where they got the information from.

Simply makes no sense to attempt to keep it as some kind of secret

It doesn't on the face of it I agree

I am sure they have their reasons / instructions from their professional advisers

If it were me I would want to say as little as possible in case it got spun into something else

Personally I am sure that this is the club doing what they are advised needs to be done

I think the danger is and will become that folk turn up have their meeting and post back on here that it was a gentle chat and don't do it again and that word gets out and that undermines what they are trying to do which is to show contrition and action

This truly wont be popular, not that many of comments on this thread are, but I would actually " ban" folk for one game

That way the club cant demonstrate not only have they had the chat but that those involved have faced some sanction.

Thank god I am out for the rest of the day as I don't fancy reading the responses to this!

[Benny Brazil]

This is a bit like the 100k for Griffiths..

Thought it was £150k? :greengrin

[Dunedin Hibs]

So Hibs should send them a personalised warning letter and be done with it.

Agree, with a wee picture of the Scottish Cup in the bottom left, to remind them of the great day.

[Forza Fred]

It doesn't on the face of it I agree

I am sure they have their reasons / instructions from their professional advisers

If it were me I would want to say as little as possible in case it got spun into something else

Personally I am sure that this is the club doing what they are advised needs to be done

I think the danger is and will become that folk turn up have their meeting and post back on here that it was a gentle chat and don't do it again and that word gets out and that undermines what they are trying to do which is to show contrition and action

This truly wont be popular, not that many of comments on this thread are, but I would actually " ban" folk for one game

That way the club cant demonstrate not only have they had the chat but that those involved have faced some sanction.

Thank god I am out for the rest of the day as I don't fancy reading the responses to this!


Social media has changed everything, and there is no doubt that reports of what went on in the meetings WILL be aired in the public domain.

Once upon a time, things like this would not be publicly known....those days are gone.

Mind you, given that court proceedings get reported on..can't see why they shouldn't be.......to be honest....not as if we are talking about state secrets......

[Hibbyradge]

He was dealt with by the police and the courts. The police aren't interested in the hibs fans who were on the pitch to take photos so why are hibs?

I think there are a number of reasons, seversl of which have already been discussed.

If you run on the pitch at Easter Road, Hibs will ban you from attending games, whether or not you are prosecuted.

Hibs don't want a repetition of the pitch invasion, so are getting the message across in a way that ensures it will be heeded.

A nice wee letter saying don't be naughty again, would offer no deterrent to the dafties who need little encouragement as it is.

[O'Rourke3]

It doesn't on the face of it I agree

I am sure they have their reasons / instructions from their professional advisers

If it were me I would want to say as little as possible in case it got spun into something else

Personally I am sure that this is the club doing what they are advised needs to be done

I think the danger is and will become that folk turn up have their meeting and post back on here that it was a gentle chat and don't do it again and that word gets out and that undermines what they are trying to do which is to show contrition and action

This truly wont be popular, not that many of comments on this thread are, but I would actually " ban" folk for one game

That way the club cant demonstrate not only have they had the chat but that those involved have faced some sanction.

Thank god I am out for the rest of the day as I don't fancy reading the responses to this!

I've pretty much agreed with everything you've posted so far. I'd amend the ban to suspended for a period. So misbehave and the one match ban is enforced. That way they've been decisive and also have the "punishment fir the crime".

I actually think what the club are doing is embarrassing Sevco and their anti-cedents. We've done something in weeks that they have been telling us for years they are doing all they can over, with more evidence and far more opportunity. There's nowhere for the Sevconians to hide anymore.

[Hibbyradge]

This.

One is an iconus moment of Scottish football history, the other is a disgraceful scene that the authorities want to clamp down on.

I wonder how many Scotland fans were sent letters.

The law was different in 1977.

[MB62]

Do you suggest they can control the press and tell them what they can and cannot print and put on the news?

WTF are they supposed to do?

Maybe if folk had been a bit more chilled about the whole thing

and took the clubs side instead of the kangaroo court judging they have had by some on here on the basis of speculation and innuendo it wouldn't have reached the press or they would have seen it as a storm in a tea cup and not bothered?[/QUOTE]

Totally agree about folk being a bit more chilled, mountains out of molehills by the SFA and weejie press about some Hibs fans celebrating on the pitch.
A wee novel idea, something completely different, how about if the club had backed US, THE FANS, for a change?
Everybody has condemned the clowns who went boxing with the huns, ripping up the turf and breaking the goalposts was not a great idea either, but that was maybe, what, around 100 maximum? (probably nowhere near that number) out of maybe 2,000 or slightly more who went on to the pitch.
I'm maybe becoming a suspicious old Hector in my increasing years but I am a wee tad suspicious that after many weeks of pleading with us to buy season tickets, within no time at all after reaching the 10,000 target, these letters get posted out.

Hibs won the Scottish Cup after 114 years, some fans went on the pitch, a few disgraced themselves and the club, let's move on and start looking forward to the new season rather than looking to give our own a slap on the wrist.

As someone mentioned previously, if they have identified some fans who were on the pitch, the content of the letter should have said so and gave them a warning to their future conduct, NOT ASK THEM TO APPEAR IN FRONT OF THE HEIDY FOR THE SIX OF THE BELT.

[Eyrie]

As someone mentioned previously, if they have identified some fans who were on the pitch, the content of the letter should have said so and gave them a warning to their future conduct, NOT ASK THEM TO APPEAR IN FRONT OF THE HEIDY FOR THE SIX OF THE BELT.

That was all that was needed. None of this nonsense about having to take time off work to arrange a meeting to be told that you shouldn't run on the pitch and please don't do it again.

As someone who wasn't at Hampden nor has a season ticket, I can say that this has been appallingly badly handled by the club. Even an announcement in advance that individual supporters would be contacted would have been better than a summons under threat of a season ticket being cancelled. And what will the club do about those who don't have season tickets?

[NAE NOOKIE]

Has any single person actually had a meeting with the guy? or are we just continuing with the faux outrage.

Why do you think its "faux outrage"? ........ It seems to me that Hibs have taken all the steps they had to up until now against the worst offenders who were prosecuted by the courts, and followed that with a public rebuke to the rest of folk who went onto the pitch but didn't fight or break anything. If I was the recipient of one of these letters I would be bloody angry about it, as it is I feel that Hibs have gone a step too far with this and I wouldn't be surprised if that opinion is shared by over 50% of the clubs supporters.


We still haven't heard the outcome of the "independent" enquiry, so Hibs are IMO doing everything possible to mitigate what could be a heavy fine. Effectively, Hibs are yellow carding the pitch invaders - naughty, naughty don't do it again!

I keep hearing this ....... Exactly what justification can there possibly be to fine Hibs? The club were NOT responsible for any part of stadium security or crowd control on the day. There is no 'strict liability' rule in Scottish football, which means that Hibs couldn't be punished for the actions of their supporters so long as they can show that they have taken measures that can reasonably be expected of them to control their supporters, even if the game had been played at Easter Road ..... The only test of that in the case of a neutral venue is 'could it be reasonably assumed that Hibs would not want their fans to invade the pitch' and given the utter absence of evidence to the contrary the answer has to be 'yes'

In the face of this ...... under what circumstances can the SFA, or anybody else for that matter, fine Hibs for a situation which was utterly outwith the clubs control?

I would add that if the SFA try to go down such a route then Hibs call their bluff and insist that they will fight them all the way, through the courts if necessary, unless Hibs paying any fine is accompanied by the immediate introduction of a strict liability rule ..... lets see how the SFA like that when the SEVCO **** hits the fan.

[Scouse Hibee]

I think there are a number of reasons, seversl of which have already been discussed.If you run on the pitch at Easter Road, Hibs will ban you from attending games, whether or not you are prosecuted.Hibs don't want a repetition of the pitch invasion, so are getting the message across in a way that ensures it will be heeded.A nice wee letter saying don't be naughty again, would offer no deterrent to the dafties who need little encouragement as it is.This. I really don't know why people have so much problem with it, the reaction is becoming more pathetic than the situation itself.

[Forza Fred]

I think the club have handled a couple of things recently that have got supporters backs up a little...and mainly because of a lack of communication

We've argued the toss about this one, but surely it is just plain daft to send out letters telling the recipients that to get their 'membership' reinstated, it will only be done after attending a meeting with someone who is .........on holiday!

[Borderhibbie76]

This is a bit like the 100k for Griffiths..
No denying your agenda Andy - you seem determined to see the worse in Hibs about this - you really think they would take this course of action if it wasn't deemed necessary??

Maybe if the fans hadn't invaded the pitch and we had got to enjoy a traditional parade by the team none of this would have been necessary.

I do understand why some went on the pitch (not for me personally) but it's a breach of the law and Hibs are dealing with it as they see fit - yet every post you are having a go at the club - it's getting boring mate.

The fans shouldn't have done it - good natured or not. End of IMO

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[The Leith Dutch]

This. I really don't know why people have so much problem with it, the reaction is becoming more pathetic than the situation itself.

It's also not dissimilar to the reaction on the hun board that's being laughed at in another thread.

Now while they were all on for the trouble and the vast bulk of those on from the Hibs end were on for celebratory reasons I'm not quite sure why people are saying "the club should back the fans".

Honestly, I thought the largely celebratory part of the pitch invasion added to the match and I can completely understand why it happened but most of the people on the pitch - even for a quick selfie - knew fine well they shouldn't be on the pitch. Also, regardless of whether anyone thinks it's unreasonable or the fault of stewards and police, the club will be held to some sort of account and most of those on the pitch would also be aware of that.

I think we know what the club really thinks - Petrie's comments about 114 years of exuberance (and God help me I've just quoted Petrie....) - but those on the pitch have put the club in a difficult situation and I think they're making the best of a bad hand.

[midfield_maestro]

If my club feels that this is what is necessary to protect itself from the Sevconian's propoganda machine and the SFA, then they have my backing. End of. 90% of us were waiting for folk to get off the pitch so we could see the cup. If it was so overwhelming an occasion that you had to run on the pitch, then presumably you won't mind sucking up a slap on the wrist. Seems there are a lot of folk who want the Huns dealt with but can't see the other side of the coin. The ONLY way our club can continue to be better than them, is to take action.

[Golden Bear]

We have a well dispersed number of supporters who are based all over the world so I hope none of them were involved! It would mean a long trip home to stand out the Headmasters office and face the consequences!

[Borderhibbie76]

It's also not dissimilar to the reaction on the hun board that's being laughed at in another thread.

Now while they were all on for the trouble and the vast bulk of those on from the Hibs end were on for celebratory reasons I'm not quite sure why people are saying "the club should back the fans".

Honestly, I thought the largely celebratory part of the pitch invasion added to the match and I can completely understand why it happened but most of the people on the pitch - even for a quick selfie - knew fine well they shouldn't be on the pitch. Also, regardless of whether anyone thinks it's unreasonable or the fault of stewards and police, the club will be held to some sort of account and most of those on the pitch would also be aware of that.

I think we know what the club really thinks - Petrie's comments about 114 years of exuberance (and God help me I've just quoted Petrie....) - but those on the pitch have put the club in a difficult situation and I think they're making the best of a bad hand.
Spot on mate 👍

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[hhibs]

I think the club have handled a couple of things recently that have got supporters backs up a little...and mainly because of a lack of communication

We've argued the toss about this one, but surely it is just plain daft to send out letters telling the recipients that to get their 'membership' reinstated, it will only be done after attending a meeting with someone who is .........on holiday!


Indeed,I just wonder,this has all the hallmarks of someone who was/is used to engaging with others in an authoritarian and overbearing manner...................like an ex polis perhaps !

[Andy74]

No denying your agenda Andy - you seem determined to see the worse in Hibs about this - you really think they would take this course of action if it wasn't deemed necessary??

Maybe if the fans hadn't invaded the pitch and we had got to enjoy a traditional parade by the team none of this would have been necessary.

I do understand why some went on the pitch (not for me personally) but it's a breach of the law and Hibs are dealing with it as they see fit - yet every post you are having a go at the club - it's getting boring mate.

The fans shouldn't have done it - good natured or not. End of IMO

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

I don't have any further agenda other than my thoughts that this was an unnecessary thing for Hibs to have done. If it's fine with you I won't change my mind on that.

[Borderhibbie76]

I don't have any further agenda other than my thoughts that this was an unnecessary thing for Hibs to have done. If it's fine with you I won't change my mind on that.
👍👍

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[midfield_maestro]

Well these are the things we'd quite like to know because the police have said it wasn't them.

You've been trying to say Hibs had to do this. You've no more idea that's true. Some clarity would be good because as I've said from the start this looks very selective, petty, pretty underhand and not good at all for perceptions of Hibs from the fans point of view.

It's a pretty pathetic course of action and you get the impression now that they aren't willing to justify it because they can't.

What did the pitch invasion do for the perception of Hibs ?

[Gordy M]

As i posted yesterday...what if the complaints were received from other hibs fans, possibly upset or angry about those who ran on the pitch? Surely hibs have to deal with complaints from their own support? Would maybe explain this '3rd party' line, keeping it vague on purpose? This way hibs are seen to deal with it, but in a more reasonable way.

Where do people think hibs or the police have received the names of the supporters from?

[cmcd]

Spot on mate 👍

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At last Sensible posts from Borderhibbie Midfield Maestro and The Leith Dutch . At the end of the day it's no one's fault but those who went in to the pitch .If they had celebrated in their seats like everyone else we would not be in this mess .

[marinello59]

As i posted yesterday...what if the complaints were received from other hibs fans, possibly upset or angry about those who ran on the pitch? Surely hibs have to deal with complaints from their own support? Would maybe explain this '3rd party' line, keeping it vague on purpose? This way hibs are seen to deal with it, but in a more reasonable way.

Where do people think hibs or the police have received the names of the supporters from?

My guess would be that Sevco fans have trawled Facebook and complained to the police in the petty way that fans of all clubs do.
I've shifted on this as the execution of it is revealed to be a bit of a car crash.

[NAE NOOKIE]

As i posted yesterday...what if the complaints were received from other hibs fans, possibly upset or angry about those who ran on the pitch? Surely hibs have to deal with complaints from their own support? Would maybe explain this '3rd party' line, keeping it vague on purpose? This way hibs are seen to deal with it, but in a more reasonable way.

Where do people think hibs or the police have received the names of the supporters from?

Seriously?

[Waxy]

Everyone who went on the pitch should hand themselves into their nearest police station.

[Gordy M]

My guess would be that Sevco fans have trawled Facebook and complained to the police in the petty way that fans of all clubs do.
I've shifted on this as the execution of it is revealed to be a bit of a car crash.

Yep maybe they have but id place a bet that some hibs fans have also complained.....and if that is the case then hibs have to take action. Even if you dont like the persons making the complaint you still have to act. Unf thats life.

[Gordy M]

Seriously?

Mate if you dont think this has happened then you are being rather naiive.

[marinello59]

Yep maybe they have but id place a bet that some hibs fans have also complained.....and if that is the case then hibs have to take action. Even if you dont like the persons making the complaint you still have to act. Unf thats life.

They shouldn't be suspended before a conversation is held. That's simply wrong.

[NAE NOOKIE]

Yep maybe they have but id place a bet that some hibs fans have also complained.....and if that is the case then hibs have to take action. Even if you dont like the persons making the complaint you still have to act. Unf thats life.

And again .... seriously?

[Andy74]

What did the pitch invasion do for the perception of Hibs ?

We are talking here purely about those fans who did nothing else other than be on the pitch - most of whom wandered on once hundreds or thousands of others had done so.

You have to think back to the actual moments, not what was reported afterwards. I would bet that every one of those we are talking about now felt it was nothing but a positive moment of sharing in a celebration with their fellow fans. Once so many were on I doubt the pitch encroachment things really counted in the thoughts at that time.

You wouldn't wander down Leith walk in a large group with a carry out chasing a bus under normal circumstances would you - different context of course as it was planned but at that point being on the pitch for many felt like where the celebration was.

We've done the whole thing around warning fans on conduct and dealing with those who took part in worse things - nobody would have thought after the game, even after the reporting on it, that it would come to fans being part of that gathering on the pitch being in a position where memberships are suspended.

[The Green Goblin]

We have a well dispersed number of supporters who are based all over the world so I hope none of them were involved! It would mean a long trip home to stand out the Headmasters office and face the consequences!

As long as I got an ice-cold, rock-hard pie for my trouble while I waited.... :greengrin

I can only speak for myself, but I stayed in the stand. I recall that to get your cup final tickets posted out before the game, you could only get them sent to UK addresses, so I don't think the club either store or use overseas addresses on the database.

[midfield_maestro]

We are talking here purely about those fans who did nothing else other than be on the pitch - most of whom wandered on once hundreds or thousands of others had done so.

You have to think back to the actual moments, not what was reported afterwards. I would bet that every one of those we are talking about now felt it was nothing but a positive moment of sharing in a celebration with their fellow fans. Once so many were on I doubt the pitch encroachment things really counted in the thoughts at that time.

You wouldn't wander down Leith walk in a large group with a carry out chasing a bus under normal circumstances would you - different context of course as it was planned but at that point being on the pitch for many felt like where the celebration was.

We've done the whole thing around warning fans on conduct and dealing with those who took part in worse things - nobody would have thought after the game, even after the reporting on it, that it would come to fans being part of that gathering on the pitch being in a position where memberships are suspended.

But to outsiders, it was (and continues to be) painted as a riot. That is the perception. And if the SFA or someone who matters choose to maintain that perception, Hibs have to be seen to act. It sounds like anyone who has a letter is going to go in, have a quick chat, and have their membership reinstated. Out of all the potential action that Hibs could take, that sounds like the least they could do.

[Deansy]

I just hope Hibs are fully armed to hammer these Hun-**** (and their sycophant media !) when the day arrives that the SFA announces the verdict that we''re NOT being - banned from defending our cup this season/fined millions of pounds/suspended from the league/put up against a wall and shot/disbanded etc as these letters are leaving a bad-taste in the mouth !

[Bristolhibby]

If my club feels that this is what is necessary to protect itself from the Sevconian's propoganda machine and the SFA, then they have my backing. End of. 90% of us were waiting for folk to get off the pitch so we could see the cup. If it was so overwhelming an occasion that you had to run on the pitch, then presumably you won't mind sucking up a slap on the wrist. Seems there are a lot of folk who want the Huns dealt with but can't see the other side of the coin. The ONLY way our club can continue to be better than them, is to take action.

Problem is nobody knows if it is a slap on the wrist, or having admitted being on the pitch you are banned and name handed over to the old bill for prosecution.

This is the crux of the issue for me. Suspending people's STs until they meet someone who is on holiday is bonkers.

Innocent until proven guilty.

J

[blackpoolhibs]

Yep maybe they have but id place a bet that some hibs fans have also complained.....and if that is the case then hibs have to take action. Even if you dont like the persons making the complaint you still have to act. Unf thats life.

By giving them 6 of the belt in the headmaster's office? Not for me, a strongly worded letter would have been quite enough here if all its for is going on the pitch.

I'm smelling sheite here.

[Andy74]

But to outsiders, it was (and continues to be) painted as a riot. That is the perception. And if the SFA or someone who matters choose to maintain that perception, Hibs have to be seen to act. It sounds like anyone who has a letter is going to go in, have a quick chat, and have their membership reinstated. Out of all the potential action that Hibs could take, that sounds like the least they could do.

I know what the perception was. I'm sure the inquiry will deal with, although won't reverse, the perception of the more outlandish claims.

Hibs have dealt with the worst of it though - for me and many others this action is a step too far and one that takes Hibs over the line from having to be seen to take a hard line on fans due to the perception issue to using what appears to be fairly selective and who knows how obtained information to make more of a deal of this with fans who were quite easily in the exuberant category.

I'm sure Hibs took a gamble on the positive PR on this outweighing the acrimony it would cause - I think they have got it wrong. I can sort of understand why they haven't defended our case more but this takes them from lack of defence to actively going after fans who have done very little. Sure the outcome might not be anything but as it stands they have suspended memberships and it was needless.

That's before you start with the notion that anyone would think it a good idea given the way this has been reported etc to talk to anyone about being on a pitch with anyone who isn't the police.

[NAE NOOKIE]

By giving them 6 of the belt in the headmaster's office? Not for me, a strongly worded letter would have been quite enough here if all its for is going on the pitch.

I'm smelling sheite here.

Exactly :aok:

[Sammy7nil]

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rangers-fans-arrested-scottish-cup-8510007#zfe2RHJFXTYwvMgb.97

Imagine getting a life ban for protecting your own players :greengrin

P.S. Hibs sent out letters seeking to ban fans on the pitch

[NAE NOOKIE]

Mate if you dont think this has happened then you are being rather naiive.

Am I ?

So your sitting in the stand at Hampden a minute after the final whistle has gone and if you are any kind of Hibby you are experiencing the best day of your football life and are about to enjoy a stonking weekend ..... and all you can think about is to complain to the club about the pitch invasion, which was driven by an overflowing of joy and celebration which as a Hibby you can 'surely' understand.

What sort of a sad git would you have to be?

[CapitalGreen]

But to outsiders, it was (and continues to be) painted as a riot. That is the perception. And if the SFA or someone who matters choose to maintain that perception, Hibs have to be seen to act. It sounds like anyone who has a letter is going to go in, have a quick chat, and have their membership reinstated. Out of all the potential action that Hibs could take, that sounds like the least they could do.

How can someone go in and have a quick chat when the person they are supposed to speak to is on holiday? People have had their membership suspended while waiting for their chat and tickets for our opening game go on-sale today.

[Salt N Sauzee]

Pretty sure this is all a wind up.

Thousands of folk on the pitch but we've only seen one letter?

[Gordy M]

Am I ?

So your sitting in the stand at Hampden a minute after the final whistle has gone and if you are any kind of Hibby you are experiencing the best day of your football life and are about to enjoy a stonking weekend ..... and all you can think about is to complain to the club about the pitch invasion, which was driven by an overflowing of joy and celebration which as a Hibby you can 'surely' understand.

What sort of a sad git would you have to be?

Obv no one will have complained at the time and i never said they did....but in the days following. I know at least one person who was complained about...to his work!!! By someone who just didnt like him but saw an opportunity to put the boot in!

[Dunedin Hibs]

I hope...letter from Hibernian FC means a wee chat about 'not doing it again...wnk,wink'. Anything less is shocking. Any Hibs/Rangers muppets should be dealt with by Police.

[NAE NOOKIE]

Obv no one will have complained at the time and i never said they did....but in the days following. I know at least one person who was complained about...to his work!!! By someone who just didnt like him but saw an opportunity to put the boot in!

Neither did I ..... but even a month later you would have to be an anally retentive saddo to do that.

As for the guy you know about ..... what a tosser.

[Smartie]

What did the pitch invasion do for the perception of Hibs ?

Amongst hand-wringing knobs who think football fans are all hooligans anyway - it damaged our reputation.

Amongst Sevconians - it damaged our reputation.

EVERY football fan that I've spoken to who supports a club other than Sevco, either Scottish or otherwise have told me they thought it was cool as f***, therefore I reckon it enhanced our reputation.



As an aside - does anyone get the feeling that Hibs and Rangers are getting played a little bit here? I know we are all annoyed at Rangers' behaviour following the game but is there anyone else that would like to see us get into bed with the devil, join forces with Rangers and launch a blistering attack on the SFA and the police?

If they do their job, nobody is on the pitch, no players are touched, no damage occurs, no selfies are taken, no Rangers fans come onto the pitch to protect their players (whether it is justified or not) and none of this happens.

Prevention is better than cure, the police and the SFA were grotesquely under-prepared and caught with their pants down. A last-minute winning goal was a possibility for either team and given our 114 year wait and the fact that The Rangers have never won a major trophy, the possibility of a pitch invasion was always on the cards.

A decent argument could be made that every fan in the stadium on the day was let down more by the police and the SFA than by anyone else, including the guy who swiped at Wallace and the Rangers fans who came onto the pitch only interested in violence.

I think there might just be a huge deflection tactic going on right now and we're all falling into a trap.

[Gordy M]

Neither did I ..... but even a month later you would have to be an anally retentive saddo to do that.

As for the guy you know about ..... what a tosser.

Yeh totally agree....i was just commenting on why hibs might have felt they needed to take this course of action.

[QMU-1875]

Amongst hand-wringing knobs who think football fans are all hooligans anyway - it damaged our reputation.

Amongst Sevconians - it damaged our reputation.

EVERY football fan that I've spoken to who supports a club other than Sevco, either Scottish or otherwise have told me they thought it was cool as f***, therefore I reckon it enhanced our reputation.



As an aside - does anyone get the feeling that Hibs and Rangers are getting played a little bit here? I know we are all annoyed at Rangers' behaviour following the game but is there anyone else that would like to see us get into bed with the devil, join forces with Rangers and launch a blistering attack on the SFA and the police?

If they do their job, nobody is on the pitch, no players are touched, no damage occurs, no selfies are taken, no Rangers fans come onto the pitch to protect their players (whether it is justified or not) and none of this happens.

Prevention is better than cure, the police and the SFA were grotesquely under-prepared and caught with their pants down. A last-minute winning goal was a possibility for either team and given our 114 year wait and the fact that The Rangers have never won a major trophy, the possibility of a pitch invasion was always on the cards.

A decent argument could be made that every fan in the stadium on the day was let down more by the police and the SFA than by anyone else, including the guy who swiped at Wallace and the Rangers fans who came onto the pitch only interested in violence.

I think there might just be a huge deflection tactic going on right now and we're all falling into a trap.

Been my view all along. The media have tried to play us against each other whilst we both casually ignore the fact the police and the SFA were at fault.

[WHAM]

Been my view all along. The media have tried to play us against each other whilst we both casually ignore the fact the police and the SFA were at fault.

I agree.

The press have been pushing the "riot" story and making out the scenes at the end were a lot worse than they actually were.

I'd also like to call them out on where this figure of 40 people needing medical attention came from. That seems plucked out the sky to me and a massive exaggeration.

[Craig_HFC]

This thread is just 25 pages of nothing.

[Onion]

Amongst hand-wringing knobs who think football fans are all hooligans anyway - it damaged our reputation.

Amongst Sevconians - it damaged our reputation.

EVERY football fan that I've spoken to who supports a club other than Sevco, either Scottish or otherwise have told me they thought it was cool as f***, therefore I reckon it enhanced our reputation.



As an aside - does anyone get the feeling that Hibs and Rangers are getting played a little bit here? I know we are all annoyed at Rangers' behaviour following the game but is there anyone else that would like to see us get into bed with the devil, join forces with Rangers and launch a blistering attack on the SFA and the police?

If they do their job, nobody is on the pitch, no players are touched, no damage occurs, no selfies are taken, no Rangers fans come onto the pitch to protect their players (whether it is justified or not) and none of this happens.

Prevention is better than cure, the police and the SFA were grotesquely under-prepared and caught with their pants down. A last-minute winning goal was a possibility for either team and given our 114 year wait and the fact that The Rangers have never won a major trophy, the possibility of a pitch invasion was always on the cards.

A decent argument could be made that every fan in the stadium on the day was let down more by the police and the SFA than by anyone else, including the guy who swiped at Wallace and the Rangers fans who came onto the pitch only interested in violence.

I think there might just be a huge deflection tactic going on right now and we're all falling into a trap.


:agree: Lack of adequate policing was by far the biggest contributor to the problems after the game, yet this has been deliberately ignored by everyone. It is thoroughly embarrassing for the SFA, Hampden and police Scotland. I expect the IC report to highlight this failure

It's no coincidence that Hibs and Sevco have started writing out to fans / banning fans this week. I reckon they've both had early sight of the IC report (for comment & info) which will contain various recommendations and actions, and they are merely reacting to that. How else do you explain Sevco fans going from Heroic Defenders of the Sevco Players to being banned from all Sevco matches ? Makes no sense :wink:

[Sioux]

We are talking here purely about those fans who did nothing else other than be on the pitch - most of whom wandered on once hundreds or thousands of others had done so.

You have to think back to the actual moments, not what was reported afterwards. I would bet that every one of those we are talking about now felt it was nothing but a positive moment of sharing in a celebration with their fellow fans. Once so many were on I doubt the pitch encroachment things really counted in the thoughts at that time.

You wouldn't wander down Leith walk in a large group with a carry out chasing a bus under normal circumstances would you - different context of course as it was planned but at that point being on the pitch for many felt like where the celebration was.

We've done the whole thing around warning fans on conduct and dealing with those who took part in worse things - nobody would have thought after the game, even after the reporting on it, that it would come to fans being part of that gathering on the pitch being in a position where memberships are suspended.

How could the club possibly know that those fans who were on the pitch, and now known to the club, were not involved in any shenanigans? A photo is only a representation of what happened in a very brief moment of time. The fan involved could have just come down from the crossbar, he could have been rolling about with Huns, he could have been there simply taking some selfies and having a wee dance. The club could not possibly know. So this accusation, explicit or implied, that the club are knowingly going after fans who were merely celebrating is without foundation. What about this scenario;

HFC: Andy we have information that suggests you were on the pitch after full time, were you?
Andy: Yes
HFC Did you get involved in any inappropriate behaviour?
Andy: No
HFC: Thanks for coming to see us

[GreenCastle]

So Sevco have finally contacted their own supporters also I have heard.

[Sioux]

:agree: Lack of adequate policing was by far the biggest contributor to the problems after the game, yet this has been deliberately ignored by everyone. It is thoroughly embarrassing for the SFA, Hampden and police Scotland. I expect the IC report to highlight this failure

" I only did it coz there wiz nae polis aboot, so its their fault" Would this be a valid excuse for someone in the dock for some offence outwith a football scenario?

[BSEJVT]

How could the club possibly know that those fans who were on the pitch, and now known to the club, were not involved in any shenanigans? A photo is only a representation of what happened in a very brief moment of time. The fan involved could have just come down from the crossbar, he could have been rolling about with Huns, he could have been there simply taking some selfies and having a wee dance. The club could not possibly know. So this accusation, explicit or implied, that the club are knowingly going after fans who were merely celebrating is without foundation. What about this scenario;

HFC: Andy we have information that suggests you were on the pitch after full time, were you?
Andy: Yes
HFC Did you get involved in any inappropriate behaviour?
Andy: No
HFC: Thanks for coming to see us

Pretty much how I see it too, other than with an additional question (3) of:

HFC: Can you identify anyone who was involved in inappropriate behaviour?
Andy: No

[Dashing Bob S]

Pretty much how I see it too, other than with an additional question (3) of:

HFC: Can you identify anyone who was involved in inappropriate behaviour?
Andy: No

HFC: Bob, were you involved in any inappropriate behaviour?

Bob: Define inappropriate, HFC, define inappropriate.

HFC: Anything that might have construed as criminal, or tarnished the name of the club?

Bob (red-faced, hesitant): I...I...god HFC, there's no good way of saying this...I wore cream-coloured socks which might have been construed by some as white...they were under my loafers. They could hardly be seen...

LIFE BAN

[Sioux]

HFC: Bob, were you involved in any inappropriate behaviour?

Bob: Define inappropriate, HFC, define inappropriate.

HFC: Anything that might have construed as criminal, or tarnished the name of the club?

Bob (red-faced, hesitant): I...I...god HFC, there's no good way of saying this...I wore cream-coloured socks which might have been construed by some as white...they were under my loafers. They could hardly be seen...

LIFE BAN

You deserved it.:na na:

[staunchhibby]

Hopefuly those who are being summoned to the heads office get dealt with before season kick offs.Unfair to keep them hanging around.

[Hibbyradge]

This thread is just 25 pages of nothing.

And your contribution is one of the finest examples.

[Craig_HFC]

And your contribution is one of the finest examples.

Happy to help.

[Hibbyradge]

Happy to help.

:hilarious

[The Green Goblin]

So Sevco have finally contacted their own supporters also I have heard.

I'd be curious to see how their letter is worded...

[HibbyDave]

So, if you got a letter, I assume that you were unable to buy Falkirk tickets? Innocent till proven?

Can some one please post a redacted copy of the letter? (black out your name etc in case you were unsure!)

Edit: just seen a copy of the letter Sevco sent to "one of their own". The recipient has tried to redact the copy but his name "John " still appears on the copy. Can be seen on another thread........... a real "Dear John" letter.

[The Green Goblin]

So, if you got a letter, I assume that you were unable to buy Falkirk tickets? Innocent till proven?

Can some one please post a redacted copy of the letter? (black out your name etc in case you were unsure!)

Edit: just seen a copy of the letter Sevco sent to "one of their own". The recipient has tried to redact the copy but his name "John " still appears on the copy. Can be seen on another thread........... a real "Dear John" letter.

Is the wording the same as ours?

[HibbyDave]

Is the wording the same as ours?

I've no idea as I have not received a letter:greengrin


That's kinda why I asked if anyone that has one could/would post a copy of the letter sent from Hibs.

I doubt they are the same as the one from Sevco is a letter telling the orc that he is banned from Castle Greyskull (and away games, and that his season ticket has been cancelled!).

[CapitalGreen]

I've no idea as I have not received a letter:greengrin


That's kinda why I asked if anyone that has one could/would post a copy of the letter sent from Hibs.

I doubt they are the same as the one from Sevco is a letter telling the orc that he is banned from Castle Greyskull (and away games, and that his season ticket has been cancelled!).

It's posted on page 2/3 of this thread.