BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Alan Stubbs admits he is bitterly disappointed his players did not get the opportunity to experience a Scottish Cup lap of honour due to the shameful scenes which unfolded at Hampden.
However, the Hibs head coach is adamant the most important consequence must be to ensure similar scenes never disgrace the national game again.
The Hibees lifted the trophy on the Hampden gantry after ending their 114-year hoodoo before being confined to the dressing room for the subsequent celebrations due to security concerns.
Officials decided the players should not return to the playing field following the pitch invasion and scenes of violence and vandalism which greeted the final whistle.
Stubbs was speaking following an unforgettable open top bus tour, which saw thousands of delirious and good-natured Hibees line the streets of Edinburgh, nevertheless he addressed the events of previous day.
“I was gutted they didn’t get the chance to have a lap of honour,” admitted Stubbs. “But a really unfortunate set of circumstances happened that no-one wants to see.
“No-one at this football club – the players, everybody – we don’t condone it whatsoever, we don’t condone any of the scenes afterwards.
“But once the people in charge and all the departments come together, the most important thing is there is a decision and we don’t see things like that again and we learn from it.”
A ferocious statement released by Rangers last night will do nothing to calm the fallout from a tempestuous finale to the Scottish football season, however Stubbs insists the club will accept any punishment deemed appropriate.
“We have to wait and see what comes out in the report,” he continued. “Whatever happens we will have to take it on the chin as a club. The authorities have put something in place and we will see what comes from it.”
Congratulations
Meanwhile, Stubbs revealed that Rangers assistant manager David Weir, cited as one of those ‘attacked’ in the chaotic aftermath at Hampden, has been in touch to offer his congratulation.
“David texted me last night. He congratulated me and John [Doolan] because he knows John and Taff [Andy Holden] from working with him and said we thoroughly deserved the victory,” Stubbs added.
“I replied back to him and said I thought it was a pretty close game and it could have gone either way at one point. I said good luck and have a well earned rest, because they have still had a great season.”
