Heart of Midlothian boss speaks out after missiles are thrown on pitch
Heart of Midlothian manager Jim Jeffries has hit out at fans who threw missiles on to the pitch during his side’s 2-0 win over fierce rivals Hibernian.
The Edinburgh clubs met at Easter Road on Sunday, 7 November, and while the game ended in a victory for the visitors, the game was spoiled by the actions of supporters.
Coins, fireworks and bottles were thrown by fans of both clubs, who both look set to be heavily punished for the incident by the Scottish Football Association.
Just seconds after David Templeton scored a dazzling solo effort, the trouble began as Hearts fans lit up flares.
Missiles were thrown on to the pitch and referee Willie Collum was seen picking up coins and cigarette lighters. Supporters also ripped out several seats in the East Stand.
It also appeared as if Hearts striker Kevin Kyle was hit by a coin — resulting in a booking for the player after he hurled the ball at an advertising standing out of frustration — which led to Jeffries later claiming that he feared for the safety of his
players.
Jeffries told reporters that: "The derby is a great, passionate occasion and it shouldn't be spoiled by idiots throwing things.
"You can expect some banter and fans exchanging songs because that's part and parcel of these games but not the kind of incidents we saw today."
Jeffries added that he did not witness the incident with Kyle, but claimed that the forward had a good game.
'Kyle needs to rise above provocation'
He said that: "I didn't see the incident with him at the boards but maybe he was provoked and if so he needs to rise above that. It was getting a little bit frantic and the two sets of fans were having a go at each other. Kevin had his best game since coming
back to Scotland and it's because he thought he wasn't going to be in the team.
Hibs captain Derek Riordan was sent off late on for a reckless tackle on Hearts player Rudi Skacel and the midfielder was seen being hit with coins and bottles thrown by the home fans.
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