Hearts owner Ann Budge has tonight said that questions have to be asked after Hearts aborted game against Rangers in the SPFL Championship last Friday evening. The game was abandoned after less than 25 minutes due to fears regarding the players’ safety on the snow-covered Ibrox pitch and there were numerous reports from Hearts supporters on social media websites Facebook and Twitter regarding fears for the visiting fans as the crowd dispersed earlier than anticipated.
These reports suggested a number of Hearts fans were targeted for violence and threats of violence. Videos and photographs have been posted appearing to show threats from Rangers fans and of Hearts supporters’ buses having been attacked.
Anne Budge said that the club would need to ascertain the facts before taking this issue any further.
“We’ve had lots of things being checked and double checked” the Hearts owner old STV Edinburgh. “Clearly there are some questions that we need to ask. Whether it is Hearts fans or any other fans, if you see that sort of thing happening then you need to be asking questions.”
Ms Budge added she was surprised to see the game start in the first place after heavy snow in Glasgow two hours before the scheduled kick-off.
“I was looking outside and wondering if we were seriously going to be playing a game. But I’m not the expert and the experts made the decision so I wouldn’t question that.”
Police Scotland also came in for criticism from Hearts supporters as many were stuck in traffic on the snowbound M8, yet there were no plans to delay the kick-off for those fans arriving late.
A date for the re-scheduled fixture has still to be announced.
Author of The Team for Me - 50 Years of Following Hearts. Runs Mind Generating Success, a successful therapy practice in Edinburgh. Contact me if you want rid of any unwanted habits. Twitter @Mike1874
