Thursday 29 September 2016 16:18, UK
Rangers and Hibernian will face no further action over the behaviour of supporters after this year's Scottish Cup final.
The two clubs were last month issued with notices of complaint that their fans caused damage to goalposts, advertising hoardings and the Hampden Park playing surface when they invaded the pitch at the end of Hibs' 3-2 win.
But the charges have been thrown out after a judicial panel decided there is nothing in the Scottish Football Association's rulebook to warrant punishment.
Scottish clubs in 2013 voted against adopting "strict liability" rules making clubs responsible for the behaviour of their supporters.
Instead, the SFA's Article 28 insists only that clubs "take all such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure the safety, good conduct and behaviour of supporters on any ground".
The panel's report said: "It may be thought odd that there is no apparent disciplinary sanction for this event.
"That is a matter for the members to deal with, in clear terms, rather than for the judicial panel to innovate by a purposive interpretation of the rules.
"From the information which we have, there is a limited appetite for strict liability within Scottish football."
A Hibs statement said they had paid the SFA for damage to the Hampden pitch, and chief executive Leeann Dempster said: "We hope that this now brings an end to the matter."
On the decision not to charge either club, Police Scotland released a statement saying: "This is entirely a matter for the SFA in respect of their member clubs.
"We will continue to concentrate on the police investigation, and to date we have arrested a total of 76 individuals in connection with the pitch invasion and disorder.
"Additionally, as recently as this morning we have arrested two men in connection with the incident involving the effigies at the recent Celtic v Rangers match.
"With regards to future fixtures, a risk assessment is undertaken with every game and based on this we will develop a comprehensive policing plan, ensure appropriate resources are deployed and work closely with the relevant club and partner authorities to maximise the safety of those attending the event."
And the Scottish Government insists it will 'take steps' to ensure progress is being made in their effort to stamp out offensive behaviour at football matches.
A spokesperson said: "The disorder that marred the Scottish Cup final was unacceptable and we are disappointed by this outcome. It is essential that robust, meaningful measures are in place to allow such behaviour to be dealt with effectively.
"Independent research shows that fans overwhelmingly support the goal of eradicating offensive behaviour from matches. We have been clear that we will take steps if the progress we need to see isn't being made.
"Our preference remains that football should proactively deliver a solution and we are continuing to working closely with the authorities and clubs to encourage them to do so."
