Rangers James Tavernier blames Hibernian over pitch invasion

James Tavernier has pointed the finger of blame at Hibernian for the security lapses that led to his Easter Road ordeal.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Mar 2019, 16:59 BST
Updated 10th Mar 2019, 18:15 BST
Rangers James Tavernier is pulled away from a fan that ran onto the pitch at half-time at Easter RoadRangers James Tavernier is pulled away from a fan that ran onto the pitch at half-time at Easter Road
Rangers James Tavernier is pulled away from a fan that ran onto the pitch at half-time at Easter Road

The Leith club’s chief executive Leeann Dempster was forced to apologise to the Rangers captain after a pitch invader was allowed to leap from the East Stand to confront him during Friday night’s clash.

The shameful incident occurred despite Hibs chiefs drafting in 50 extra stewards after a glass bottle was thrown at Celtic ace Scott Sinclair just six days earlier.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Beefed-up CCTV coverage were also introduced to scan the section where the bottle was hurled from.

But those measures did not stop a 21-year-old male hurdling the advertising boards just yards away from where the missile was launch at Sinclair as he squared up to Tavernier.

Scottish football has seen a worrying rise in unsavoury episodes this season with missile throwing and unacceptable chanting among the incidents that have dragged the game into the gutter.

Now Tavernier says Hibs must take their share of the responsibility after their fans were allowed to step out of line for the second time in a week.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Englishman said: “Every time I have played at Easter Road, that stand is normally the rowdy bit where their fans are saying stuff.

“First and foremost, no fans should be allowed on the pitch.

“That is down to the security. It shouldn’t happen.

“No player should be targeted by fans going on the pitch or having coins thrown at them.

“We had an incident a few years ago where they raided Hampden. These things shouldn’t happen.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“That is down to the clubs and the security to stop this, but fans shouldn’t be trying to intervene.

“It’s stupid. It shouldn’t be allowed at football stadiums. Fans should be enjoying the game, they shouldn’t be able to jump on the pitch and interfere with any players.

“Leeann has apologised and it should be kicked out of football.

“We saw incidents a week ago and it shouldn’t be happening.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The confrontation came just as referee Steven McLean blew the half-time whistle.

The Hibs supporter brushed past a steward before leaping the hoardings to enter the playing surface.

Tavernier was bending down to pick up the ball but the man kicked it away before pushes were exchanged between the pair.

Two police officers then moved in quickly to lead the man away.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dempster admitted after Friday’s 1-1 draw she was “embarrassed” by the affair and refused to rule out closing Easter Road’s trouble-spot sections if fans continue to step out of line.

Tavernier added: “It is one of those things where your instincts just kick in.

“Someone has come on, I didn’t know what he intended to do when he booted the ball and caught us.

“But it is one of those things where you need to keep a cool head and not react.

“The police came in and escorted him away.

“We are here to play football for our clubs and we should not be treated like this,” he added.