Hearts face action after derby pitch invasion

Hearts face action from the Scottish Football Association after Derek Riordan’s derby winner for Hibernian sparked a pitch invasion at Tynecastle.

Several supporters came on to the pitch as Riordan celebrated the only goal of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash in front of home fans in the Wheatfield Stand.

Hibs defender Ian Murray also told his colleagues he had been struck by a coin in the aftermath of Riordan’s 79th minute penalty.

Lothian and Borders Police later revealed two people had been arrested and 15 ejected from the ground during the course of the game with two people, both male, expected to appear in court in Edinburgh later today.

Hibernian manager Mixu Paatelainen raised concerns over the stewarding but Riordan appeared untroubled by the incident, saying nobody had attempted to hit him.

“I just celebrated and a few fans came on,” Riordan said. “There was somebody right in my face. He kidded on he got punched or something but it must have been Casper the ghost that hit him because I never went near him. I was just celebrating.”

“Ian Murray said in the changing room he got hit by a coin. I think there were quite a few coins that came flying on. The groundsman will have a few quid.”

Paatelainen said: “I must say I felt there was quite a small number of stewards on that far side. I was surprised by that, knowing it is a derby match and a volatile atmosphere.

“It’s disappointing to see that happening, player safety is the most important thing. Thankfully it was put under control very quickly.”

“I wasn’t really worried. I always trust that our players are a bit quicker and fitter than their supporters. Maybe not braver.”

The Hibs boss also laughed off the incident which saw Murray struck by a missile.

“He’s fine – the coin is in his pocket now, knowing him,” Paatelainen said.

Hearts managing director Campbell Ogilvie, a vice-president of the SFA, vowed the club would launch a probe. “The club will fully investigate the incident and will take the necessary action against any supporter found guilty of an offence,” he said in a statement. “This type of irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated.”

The incident overshadowed a memorable 1-0 victory for a Hibs side missing numerous key players.

Hibs had four men suspended, including centre-backs Chris Hogg, Rob Jones and Sol Bamba, while Denes Rosa and Jonatan Johansson this week joined a lengthy injury list.

Riordan, who won the penalty from a challenge that saw Christos Karipidis sent-off by Steve Conroy, said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the victory.

“We had quite a few players out injured and suspended and we came here and did a job. We deserved it.”

The striker admitted they had been fired up by comments from Csaba Laszlo that Hibs are not superior to their city rivals in any aspect of their play.

“If they come out and say that, then they have got to prove they are better than us,” the 26-year-old said. “That’s the last two games we’ve beaten them.”