Hibernian FC announced that they would cut the away allocation just a day after playing host to Rangers in the Scottish Cup. It has been assumed that Celtic will also suffer as a result of the behaviour of the Rangers supporters with their allocation being cut as well. However, the statement from Hibs makes no mention of Celtic and the timing makes it clear that it relates to Rangers.
In a statement posted on Tuesday evening, Hibs have said that ‘enough is enough’ and that the club have made the call to reduce the away allocation moving forward.
Hibernian FC condemns the abhorrent behaviour and chanting made by some supporters in Scottish football.
Over recent years supporters’ unacceptable conduct has become rife in Scotland whether that be through the use of pyrotechnics, sectarianism, objects being thrown onto the field of play or through other actions. This is simply not good enough.
Understanding that the behaviour of certain sections of Hibernian FC’s own support has not been good enough at times this season, the Club has been taking the strongest possible action against those who behave in an unacceptable manner, working with Police Scotland and colleagues at other clubs.
Hibernian FC now implores other clubs to act in a similar fashion and the governing bodies to take serious consideration into the issues to ensure Scottish football is safe and welcoming for all.
Following fan behaviour and chanting from opposing teams this season, the Club’s Board of Directors will be reducing the away allocation at Easter Road moving forward, alongside taking further actions.
Football is a sport for all, and stadiums should be a place where families and friends can come together to support their team. Hibernian FC prides itself on being a club for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, colour, gender, religion, creed, and sexual orientation. Everyone should be able to feel safe and comfortable attending a football match.
Rangers fans pulled out their awful songbook for the game against Hibs, which was picked up by Viaplay’s microphones as the medical teams treated Martin Boyle for a serious head knock. This resulted in Hibs supporters lobbying the club to take action.
Hibs are citing the fan behaviour at Easter Road with pyro shows before kick-off. However, events at Tynecastle in the Edinburgh Derby show that the Leith side would worry about their fan behaviour. After Lawrence Shankland scored the equaliser, the Scotland Internationalist celebrated in front of the Roseburn Stand, prompting missiles to be thrown from the Hibs end.
Scottish football finds itself in a fairly dangerous position where clubs are using the threat of allocations being cut to quell fan culture, which ultimately leads to more engagement with the league. The Edinburgh Derby has full allocations, as it should, but resorting to making threats about cutting allocations due to fan behaviour seems tone-deaf. The Scottish footballing authorities and clubs should work with fans to encourage safe fan culture, which is what everyone wants.