Hibs launch probe into fan behaviour as Hearts boss Robbie Neilson slams 'unacceptable' Easter Road incidents

Hibs chief executive Ben Kensell vowed to launch a probe into the conduct of a section of the home fans at the Easter Road Edinburgh derby as Robbie Neilson slammed the incidents which marred the 1-1 draw and urged the SPFL to take action.

Jambos ace Alex Cochrane was pelted with chips while a bottle was allegedly thrown at Hearts scorer Lawrence Shankland and Martin Boyle’s late leveller saw fans invade the pitch. Kensell said they would look into events in the capital clash while Neilson said that kind of behaviour must be kicked out of Scottish football.

Speaking to Sky Sports after a pulsating derby, Kensell said: “We can’t condone it. Sometimes the passion of what happens and the situation and how it unfolds dictates some of that. There are scenes we need to look at it, we ask our fans to always act appropriately and there are a few incidents we’ll look at post match. Passion is what football is all about but we have to address things internally as ultimately it has to be a safe environment here at Easter Road and I believe it is.”

Hearts boss Neilson said: “It’s not acceptable, is it? I’m sure the authorities will look at it because we can’t have that at games. It’s not good enough and needs to be kicked out of any league - not just our league - and we’re all better than that.”

Hibs have seen similar incidents at Easter Road in the past involving both Celtic and Rangers with objects thrown at players. Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd said: “It’s not the first incident that’s happened here. Scott Sinclair, James Tavernier, Borna Barisic and now Cochrane. You don’t want to see it. Getting verbally abused at football matches is one thing but getting objects thrown at you is another.

“There’s a can lying next to