Football
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Hibernian condemn 'unacceptable' crowd trouble at Scottish Cup final

Hibernian have said they will co-operate with investigations into the crowd trouble that marred their first Scottish Cup triumph for 114 years.

Several Rangers players were assaulted as thousands of Hibernian fans ran onto the Hampden pitch following their dramatic 3-2 triumph.

Footage showed Lee Wallace being punched and goalkeeper Wes Foderingham attacked as what had appeared to be a celebratory pitch invasion turned ugly.

Dozens of Rangers fans also came onto the pitch and fights broke out between rival supporters, while Hibs fans broke one set of goalposts and ripped up sections of the Hampden pitch.

Hibs chairman Rod Petrie, the vice-president of the Scottish Football Association (SFA), put the scenes down to "over-exuberance" in the immediate aftermath and described them as "unacceptable."

A club statement later said Hibs would "co-operate fully with any inquiry into the pitch invasion which followed the club's historic Scottish Cup win at Hampden Park."

It added: "The club reiterates its regret at the events which unfolded immediately following the final whistle.

"Hibernian always seeks to maintain high standards, and we will work with the authorities to identify any supporter who may have taken part in any form of unacceptable behaviour which has tarnished the club's reputation.

"Hibernian will work with Police Scotland, Hampden Park Stadium management, the Scottish FA, Rangers FC and any other relevant parties to bring those responsible to book."

Rangers players were handed their medals in the dressing room, while Hibs players had a long wait to lift the trophy after the pitch was cleared. The proposed lap of honour had to be cancelled.

Rangers said they were shocked at the "disgraceful" behaviour of Hibs fans and left the stadium without giving any interviews.

A club statement read: "Rangers players and staff were assaulted by these fans who invaded the pitch, and in the interests of their safety could not return to the pitch for the medal presentation.

"The club would like to commend Rangers fans for the restraint they showed under severe provocation."

Meanwhile, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was criticized by Rangers for failing to condemn the behavior of Hibernian fans.

In a post from her official Twitter account, Sturgeon congratulated Hibs on their win but didn't comment on the crowd trouble.

Rangers said Sunday that it "was not at all helpful" to see members of the Scottish government, including Sturgeon, failing to condemn the actions of Hibs fans.

"These failures are unbecoming of our elected representatives," Rangers said in a strongly worded statement.

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