Scottish FA dismiss Cup final complaints

The national body’s judicial panel has decided to throw out the disciplinary action raised against Rangers and Hibs in relation to the pitch invasion after the full-time whistle following the final. Both clubs had been charged with alleged breaches of Rule 311 after damage to the pitch, goalposts and pitchside LED advertising screens.

The SFA have published the reasons why the judicial panel decided against punishing either club and it reads like a complete abdication of responsibility by those in charge of the game. The decision not to introduce strict liability is cited as a factor in the decision with the panel not wanting to be seen to “innovate”.

Comically, Hibs’ legal team initially tried to wriggle out of the charges by arguing that ‘Hibernian FC’ (as cited on the notice of complaint) are not members of the Scottish FA but it is infact “The Hibernian Football Club limited” who hold membership.

Despite assaults on several Rangers players being caught on film, Hibs were inexplicably never charged over that.