Search icon

Football

08th Mar 2019

Hibernian fan confronts Rangers’ James Tavernier

Simon Lloyd

The incident happened at the end of the first half

Rangers’ James Tavernier was confronted by a supporter during the Scottish Premiership game against Hibernian on Friday night.

With the half-time whistle sounding at Easter Road, Tavernier had been retrieving the ball from the side of the pitch when the man – believed to be a Hibs fan – jumped the hoardings and attempted to kick the ball away from him.

The man, who had a black hood pulled over his head, then squared up to the Rangers captain, who shoved him away.

Stewards and police were quickly on the scene, with the supporter escorted away. Tavernier was then beckoned away by the referee, leaving the field to return to the Rangers’ dressing room.

Steven Gerrard’s side had earlier taken a lead minutes before the incident through Daniel Candeias’ stunning opener.

Tavernier returned to the field after the break for the second half.

Rangers started the game in Edinburgh in second place, eight points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic at the top of the league.

Hibs started it in sixth, though a win would have been enough to take them above city rivals Hearts and into fifth on goal difference.