Police launch pyro investigation into Hibs vs. Rangers as two teenagers face charges

Smoke bombs, flares and lightning were everywhere in the Easter Road stands as Michael Beale’s side won the league competition 4-1.

Herald Sport can also exclusively reveal that two teenagers have been charged with throwing objects onto the pitch.

Images from the game appear to show Rangers defender Borna Barisic surrounded by a coin, vodka bottle, lighter and plastic cups as he attempts to take a corner.

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The game was not interrupted and play continued normally in the second half.

A statement from Hibernian FC said: “After every Hibernian FC game, the club goes through an operational debriefing process that goes through all aspects of the game, including spectator behaviour.

“The club will continue to investigate a number of incidents that occurred during the game and can confirm that two fans have been charged so far.”

Police Scotland added: “Two boys aged 13 and 14 have been charged in connection with objects thrown onto the pitch at Easter Road during the Hibernian v Rangers game on the evening of Wednesday 8 March 2023.

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“Officials are also conducting investigations into the use of pyrotechnics in the crowd during the game.”

Both incidents come after police were called to investigate the behavior of fans after Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin said he was hit by a coin during a game against his former club.

Goodwin claimed other projectiles, including a cake and a cup of juice, were also thrown at him during Saturday’s game against Aberdeen at Tannadice Park in Dundee.

Police said they are reviewing CCTV footage and are working with clubs to establish the circumstances.

Goodwin said after the game: “I obviously didn’t expect a warm welcome from the Aberdeen fans. But I was disappointed that coins and other projectiles were thrown at me.

“There was a cake, a cup of juice, some coins and unfortunately one of them landed on my head.

“Luckily it wasn’t anything serious, but not what you want when you go to work.

“I have to say it’s definitely just a minority. There’s always a few rotten eggs that mess up the rest of the club.

“Aberdeen are a great club and one of the best supported in the country – 2,500 to 3,000 of them support their team tonight but a few mindless idiots make us talk about things we don’t want to talk about.

“It was disappointing but I won’t overdo it and I’m sure it will be fixed.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Officers are aware of media reports of objects being thrown onto the pitch at Tannadice Park during a match on the evening of 4 March 2023.

“Although no reports have been filed with Police Scotland we are working with the clubs involved to establish the circumstances.

“Investigations are ongoing which will include a review of CCTV footage.”