Edinburgh Derby: Witness hunt over fans trouble

Ross Caldwell's goal gave HIbs the win. Picture: Ian Rutherford

• Fans in both ends threw flares onto pitch.

• Three charged over alleged pitch invasion.

The Hearts v Hibernian game at Tynecastle ended dramatically with a last-gasp goal from Hibs’ Ross Caldwell putting the score at 2-1.

It gave Hibs their first Scottish Premier League victory over their city rivals for four years.

During the game fans in both the home and away ends of the ground set off flares, throwing them towards the pitch. A 25-year-old man has been charged in connection with this.

Three other men, aged 23, 21 and 18, have been charged with alleged breach of the peace following pitch invasions towards the end of the match.

Unacceptable

One of the stadium seats was broken and a 14-year-old boy has been charged with alleged vandalism.

Local police are working with officers from the Football Co-ordination Unit for Scotland (FoCUS) to try to trace anyone who allegedly committed a crime during the derby.

Fans of both teams are being asked to come forward if they have information that can help the inquiry.

Temporary Superintendent Gavin Phillip, the match commander on Sunday, said “Firstly I would like to thank the vast majority of supporters from both Hearts and Hibernian who were a credit to their respective clubs throughout the day.

“Sadly though, a small minority have conducted themselves in an unacceptable manner and committed offences that could have put themselves and others in danger. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and officers from Police Scotland, assisted by officers from FoCUS, are currently conducting a post-match investigation to identify those involved in Sunday’s disturbances.

“Anyone found to be responsible can expect to be robustly dealt with and may find themselves banned from attending further matches in the future.”

Those with information can call Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.