Pitch Invasions

[topcat]

Pre Hillsborough most of us will remember the seating areas being ringed with fences to prevent anyone from going onto the pitch.

 

But it does seem to have become an allowable and the norm to run on to the pitch in celebration these days. We all remember our nutters at the challenge cup final. If fans knew pre match that a pitch invasion would lead to forfeiture of the trophy do you think this would act as a suitable deterent to keep them in there seats and change the culture.

 

What else do you think could be done as no amount of security people was stopping the Hibees thousands from coming on. 99% I think just to celebrate something momentus but 1% more interested in taunting the opposition.

[Dick Dastardly]

Pre Hillsborough most of us will remember the seating areas being ringed with fences to prevent anyone from going onto the pitch.

 

But it does seem to have become an allowable and the norm to run on to the pitch in celebration these days. We all remember our nutters at the challenge cup final. If fans knew pre match that a pitch invasion would lead to forfeiture of the trophy do you think this would act as a suitable deterent to keep them in there seats and change the culture.

 

What else do you think could be done as no amount of security people was stopping the Hibees thousands from coming on. 99% I think just to celebrate something momentus but 1% more interested in taunting the opposition.

 

I'm not sure that you can have a "sporting penalty" like forfeitur of the cup. What would there be to stop a few Jambos, with green on, starting a pitch invasion to ensure Hibs don't win. Once a few start, the rest would follow.

I do agree that something needs to be done

[Vinnyjag]

It's a bit of a pain what happened after yesterday's game, because all it has done is galvanized the OF media luvvies in support of poor Rangers and detracting from what was a superb game and a great victory for Hibs.

 

Sectarian bile being sung by Rangers fans from the start of the game, as usual goes unmentioned. I think because we haven't played them in a while we forget that they are equally as vile as the other half of the OF arse cheek.

 

[BowenBoys]

It's usual to hammer the home club when something like this occurs. I wonder how the SFA will sanction themselves for failure to police the fans.

[Scott J]

This discussion is an example of how football fans have become conditioned to being criminalised. The media is the same, saying that the pitch invasion is the problem rather than the behaviour of some idiots afterwards.

 

For me a pitch invasion is not a problem. Bit of fun, and I've had several memorable days on the pitch after big games (Forfar anyone?). Fans come on, wander about and then are directed back off. Bit of tolerance, especially in circumstances like hibs - 114 years since last win, just lost league play-off, lost league cup, last minute winner etc.

 

Every team has clowns who won't behave once on the pitch - us included.

 

There are laws in place to address bad behaviour by those on the pitch and plenty of CCTV and coverage to spot who they are. Identify the 1%, prosecute if appropriate, ban if a football issue. Let the 99% enjoy themselves peacefully. And leave fining the clubs out of it. Maybe fine the clubs but only if they don't co-operate in identifying and banning those who attacked rangers players, fought on the pitch or damaged the pitch or goals.

 

My point is this - 99% weren't involved - leave them alone and let people invade the pitch now and again. Manage the situation appropriately - let them on, then guide them all off again (and they'll go no problem as the hits fans did yesterday). Deal with the morons directly and stop making every football fan a criminal.

 

As an example, there was a pitch invasion at Connaught yesterday after beating Glasgow - no headlines I've been able to spot there.

[lady-isobel-barnett]

It's usual to hammer the home club when something like this occurs. I wonder how the SFA will sanction themselves for failure to police the fans.

 

In the time honoured manner of blaming everybody else.

[allyo]

Scott J. Nail on the head. I've been very disappointed in the way that the media has appeared completely incapable of distinguishing an almost entirely good natured pitch invasion by excited fans from the "disgaceful scenes" overwhelmingly reported.

 

Ps just read the rangers statement. Utterly divisive. That club is repulsive

Edited May 22, 2016 by allyo

[Duke Gekantawa]

While I do think the media is overplaying the incident, I also see the difference between this and, say, Connaught. I may be wrong, but I don't think Connaught fans ripped up the pitch and destroyed the goals. I remember that we were rightly upset when Firhill was vandalised by the ugly sisters.

[thebiglemon]

If you want a laugh go on one of the Rangers forums.

 

Tone varies between sanctimonious "we stopped that from being WW3 with our mature responsible response" to stuff like...

 

"If I hadn't been there with my wee boy I'd have been on the pitch wasting those spoon burning c***s"

 

I paraphrase. Also..."we're supposed to be the bigots but they......etc"

 

Not as funny as after last years play off final with Motherwell but still brilliant.

[Lambies Lost Doo]

I'm confused with all the nonsense spouted after this.

 

Hibs fans were wrong to invade the pitch.

Hibs fans were totally out of order to assault Rangers players.

Hibs fans were totally out of order damaging the goalposts and vandalising the pitch. The Amatuer cup final is on today, the peak of these players careers.

Hibs fans were totally out of order to go towards and fightnRangers fans.

Rangers fans were wrong to invade the pitch.

Rangers fans were totally out of order fighting Hibs fans.

 

Lots of people in the wrong. The football authorites and police get criticised for criminalising fans but now they get criticised for not having enough police around the perimeter and a squad of mounted police ready to gallop on to the pitch.

[The Jukebox Rebel]

Epic pitchy, nothing wrong with that in principle. Shame it was ruined by some fuds on either side.

 

The unbelievable statement from Rangers praising their own fans brings the game into disrepute. Clearly, there are morons in suits, as well as the stands, at Ibrox. With leadership like that, they look doomed to be vile in perpetuity.

 

The flip to the ugliness was "Sunshine on Leith" shortly afterwards - one of the most beautiful moments in Scottish football for as long as I can remember. That's what it's all about.

[lady-isobel-barnett]

The flip to the ugliness was "Sunshine on Leith" shortly afterwards - one of the most beautiful moments in Scottish football for as long as I can remember. That's what it's all about.

 

The temerity of the Hibees support for singing that song knows no bounds. Completely out of order and a dangerous break from tradition. What the hell that song has got to do with 300 year old battles, the IRA, UDA, famines, hunger strikes etc completely eludes me. Devaluing a once great competition. They should be utterly ashamed of themselves.

[Weebaw1]

I hope the Killie Fatboy doesn't attack those lovely middle class Bairns fans today when they celebrate a great victory by invading the plastic.

[angry gaz]

Best pitch invasion ever.

 

 

 

every child wearing the same Parka

Edited May 22, 2016 by angry gaz

[ChewinGumMacaroonBaaaz]

It's a tough one.

 

I know it's an American strap line, but perhaps a sentiment we brits could learn from, "To protect and to serve".

 

We possibly react to quickly like the newco yesterday, or in outrage like the media looking for the most controversial or shocking story, when things go tits up and are driven to prevention rather than more acceptable practice.

 

It's been said already, it's difficult, costly and unlikely to be uniformly enforceable attempting to stop thousands of jubilant hibees venting 114 years of frustration and denial being finally overcome, just as it is similarly impractical to police large gatherings singing whatever they want.

 

I understand laws of incitement, but there is an argument that in telling people they can't, it only increases their determination to do. In effect the law incites.

 

Going from memory, when our fans invaded the pitch at almondvale it was to get to the goal scorer and share the moment. Yes there was some eejuts who went on to taunt the Queens fan, however would they have got that far and cause damage getting there had Gentleman Kris Doolan had not taken heed of the recommendations for players to avoid such things and just vaulted the ad hordings and gone to greet his adoring followers?

 

Mibbees aye mibbeez naw.

 

It should also be said that our ramsden's cup celebrations were during the match, yesterday's were after the important business of the day had been concluded. As much as I can understand the rejoicing, and desire for a memento it's hard to soberly condone the vandalism of ripping up turf and tearing down goalposts. But I just wonder, would it have have been such a race to grab what they could if they knew there might be a better organised, fairer alternative.

 

Incursions onto the field of play are not the sole practice of the association game. Cricket, rugby, motor sport and others all deal with them better. They have all dealt with the problem by co-ordinating rather than preventing spectator invasions.

 

Perhaps the traditional distant presentation and half-lap of honour by Hampden Champs would better replaced by allowing fans to gather on the pitch to be closer to their heros and maybe better view of seeing their team lift a trophy?

 

We might have more than our fair share of ugly hooligan thug supporters. We also seam to have more than our fair share of authoritarian, thoughtless, punitive numpties running the show.

 

 

eta... sorry ... at ma tea here... the protect and to serve was of course angled at the polis..... instead of failing with rugby tackling the hibbees behind the goals they would have maybe have looked less foolish and had more success putting their focus on protecting and escorting the players from the field.

Edited May 22, 2016 by ChewinGumMacaroonBaaaz

[javeajag]

The sevco statement tonight is an utter disgrace .... Why am I not surprised ....horrible people

[topcat]

I wonder also if there is an age divide when it comes to attitudes on pitch invasions. I think anyone born pre-eighties just thinks no, stay off the park . But quite a few comments here suggest that its "just a wee bit of fun".

 

When we won premotion a few seasons ago there was a pitch invasion but those who stayed in the Jackie Husband started booing those on the pitch as the team could not come on to take a lap of honour.

 

Personally I think going on the park is selfish behaviour and I really wish it would stop. That time is for the team to be lauded.

[The Earl of Hathaway]

I'll tell you what got a right good kicking on the Hampden pitch yesterday. Brendan Rogers' over-inflated ego. There he was, ready to drop his bon mots on his future best chums, hanging on every word, the Scotch media. And then that shower of East coast ********, ken, went and did THAT. All over the Sunday's and barely a mention of His Brendanship. Wouldn't surprise me if he chucks it in the huff, puir wee soul.

[Big Col]

Don't see any problem with going on the pitch (and I was born pre-80s). Have done it myself on many occasions including Forfar, Inverness and Firhill.

 

But with us being Thistle fans, it was always done in a polite and orderly fashion!!!

 

The issue yesterday was hooligans in both sides looking for a square go.

 

I admit to being no expert on the matter, but do Hibs and Rangers not each have a "firm" that have clashed many times over the years? If you watch the footage, most of the folks involved are not wearing colours.

 

Vast majority on the pitch were celebrating. Mindless minority were out for trouble. If it didn't happen inside stadium, it would've happened outside. And probably did.

[stillresigned]

 

Not condoning any violence that allegedly took place, but surely not winning the Cup for 114 years gives a wee bit of an excuse for going OTT? The match was finished and any incident had no effect on the outcome whatsoever. It's important to distinguish between any action taking in respect of any disorder and/or violence etc. and the self-pitying nonsense put forward by Sevco and their apologists particularly their latest verbiage dressed up as an official statement. Reading it, sounds like the renting a of an underage denizen of the Loudon Tavern!

[sabbath]

Well done Hi bees. The only offence I could see was the constant defending of sectarian songs from the Orange Order or is it Blue.........no its Orange. If Thistle won the Scottish cup, I would be on the pitch.............To many Defenders of the faith masquerading as jags trying to sound neutral. What was it that the Hearts players sang in the dressing room when they got promotion.......Perhaps the Hi bees could sing their own version.

Pluck the newco pluck the newco Hibs have won the cup......Best weekend news

[Blackpool Jags]

Sevco, in their hyper-sanctimonious condemnation of everybody and his dug for failing to condemn the actions of Hibs fans, now include in that number the First Minister of Scotland. Imagine that - a political leader choosing to wait for the full published outcome of an investigation into shenanigans at a football match before diving in with preemptive indignation!

 

At the time of typing this post, the number of sevco officials thus far quoted as disassociating themselves with the plethora of party songs heard from Hampden throughout yesterday's final: zero, nought, nil.

 

Coincidentally, the combined total of SFA officials, in addition to those from Strathclyde Constabulary, vowing to clamp down on unlawful sectarian chanting from same blue cave inhabitants during the coming season - or yesterday for that matter - zero, nought, nil, Jack Bollox.

 

They're so hard done to the poor wee lambs.

 

 

[ChewinGumMacaroonBaaaz]

Don't see any problem with going on the pitch (and I was born pre-80s). Have done it myself on many occasions including Forfar, Inverness and Firhill.

 

But with us being Thistle fans, it was always done in a polite and orderly fashion!!!

 

The issue yesterday was hooligans in both sides looking for a square go.

 

I admit to being no expert on the matter, but do Hibs and Rangers not each have a "firm" that have clashed many times over the years? If you watch the footage, most of the folks involved are not wearing colours.

 

Vast majority on the pitch were celebrating. Mindless minority were out for trouble. If it didn't happen inside stadium, it would've happened outside. And probably did.

 

 

Aye, the "CCS", hibs "firm", might even still lay claim to being "top boys in Europe." .... And have clashed with rangers "ICF" many times over the years. Probably re-ignited in the lower leagues, with no sheep tamering riggers to play tig with or old firm family reunions, and there is a video of what looks like a pretty serious arranged 30-40ish aside "meet" between the two in Glasgow central dated a couple of years back with comments claiming involvement of thugs from englandshire drafted into the mix.

 

Pretty sure though that the "CCS", or at least the older ones have something to do with the big green white and black "union flag" that was seen the other day hung over the top tier of Hampdens south stand. Can't say there weren't "casuals" from either side on the pitch, but i imagine even the neds have a brain rattlin aboot their thick heids and will reckon it's "cool" to keep a low profile if your "up for it" at the football and wanna be a "top boy" these days so...

 

Anyhoo... this clip

 

[media]

[madia/]

 

Might suggest that, for the mindless minority it was all just good old fashioned "Scottish" political/sectarian/nationalistic bigotry about other countries.

 

Newco and likesay, pure radge wee celtic, ken?

 

[Duke Gekantawa]

I thought this a fair summary:

http://wingsoverscotland.com/statements-of-the-obvious/

[Charlie Endell]

I thought this a fair summary:

http://wingsoverscotland.com/statements-of-the-obvious/

Always useful to get the view from Somerset.