Rangers claim players were 'assaulted' after late Hibs win sparks mass pitch invasion

ByEurosport

Updated 21/05/2016 at 17:00 GMT

Rangers did not collect their runner-up medals at Hampden Park after Hibs completed a dramatic 3-2 win to end their 114-year wait for Scottish Cup glory.

A Police horse on the pitch after Hibernian won the Scottish Cup Final.

Image credit: Reuters

David Gray's headed winner in the first minute of four added on ended up with the fans of the Edinburgh club racing onto the pitch at the national stadium before some unsavoury scenes saw a cross bar snapped as pockets of rival supporters confronted each other at the full-time whistle.

With Rangers manager Mark Warburton shaking his head at full-time amid claims that some of his players and staff were attacked by Hibs fans, Rangers received their runner-up medals in private after refusing to come back out before departing the national stadium without speaking to the media.

The Sun newspaper said '"six Rangers players" and assistant manager David Weir were attacked by Hibs fans.

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Hibs fans celebrate winning a first Scottish Cup since 1902.

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"Rangers Football Club is shocked at the disgraceful behaviour of Hibs fans at full time," said the Glasgow club in a statement.

"Rangers players and staff were assaulted by these fans who invaded the pitch and in the interests of their safety could not return to the pitch for the medal presentation.

"There can be no place for the violent behaviour witnessed at the end of the Final and Rangers fully expect the Scottish Football Association and Police Scotland to launch an investigation to find out where security measures failed.

"The Club would like to commend Rangers fans for the restraint the showed under severe provocation."

Police on horseback managed to get the crowd back under control, but Rangers were presented with their medals out of sight to avoid provoking further trouble as the Glasgow club's fans quickly departed the scene.

It is the first time Hibs have lifted the world's oldest knock-out competition since 1902.