Hibs demand police explanations

Hibernian chairman Rod Petrie is demanding an urgent meeting with Lothian Police to discuss criticism of his players' derby celebrations.
It follows comments attributed to the match commander, Superintendent Terry Powell, in weekend newspapers.

A Hibs spokesman said: "We are seeking details regarding the alleged incidents involving players from both teams.

"And Mr Powell's claims that 'there could have been a riot' and 'people could have been crushed'."

Hibs captain Ian Murray was singled out for police criticism following the victory over Hearts at Tynecastle.

"Chairman Rod Petrie has written to demand an urgent meeting with Superintendent Powell within the next 48 hours," said the statement.

"The club has tried to contact him over the weekend in the wake of Saturday's press reports and has not yet received the letter which Superintendent Powell said he is sending to the club."

Supt Powell had told Edinburgh's Evening News: "The behaviour of one player was totally unacceptable and irresponsible.

"This player ran out of the dugout and straight up to the Hearts fans and started shouting and swearing and gesticulating at them."

Murray, who was substituted after an hour, was particularly zealous in his celebrations as he raced from the dugout to join his team-mates on the final whistle.

"I have informed the club of this behaviour and I will be sending a letter of complaint to the club about this particular player and I hope they deal with him appropriately," added Supt Powell.

The senior policeman went on to say that referee John Rowbotham, who was struck by a coin thrown from the crowd, should have done more to defuse the highly-charged scene.

"Usually, if players get over-exuberant in terms of their celebrations and start running behind the goals and up to the fans and generally inflaming the crowd, it is quite common for the referee to give those players a yellow card," added Supt Powell.

"Before every match, we have a briefing with the referee in which we point out issues we want to raise.

"We always stress the referee should keep a tight grip on the celebrations and to make sure the players don't inflame the crowd.

"But no such action was taken at Wednesday's game and the crowd was almost hysterical."