‘Not good enough at all’: Hearts boss Robbie Neilson HITS OUT at missile-throwing Hibernian fans

Robbie Neilson has condemned missile-throwing Hibs fans after Hearts left back Alex Cochrane appeared to be struck by a lighter during Sunday’s Edinburgh derby at Easter Road.

The Tynecastle side looked set for victory after Lawrence Shankland netted his first goal for the club on 22 minutes but were denied when comeback star Martin Boyle scored a dramatic equaliser in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

However, the match was also marked by a number of crowd issues. Pyrotechnics were thrown by both sets of fans — including one instance where a green flare appeared to be hurled into the away end — while a number of home supporters invaded the pitch after Boyle’s leveller.

Alex Cochrane was struck by a lighter during the Edinburgh derby at Easter Road on Sunday

A further unwelcome incident arrived midway through the second half when Cochrane waited to take a throw-in. The former Brighton player was hit on the back of the head by an object before then being showered by chips.

Neilson was understandably unhappy at his player being targeted and insisted the issue of missile-throwing is one all of Scottish football must combat.

‘It’s not good enough at all,’ said the Hearts boss. ‘Not good enough. We need that stamped out of Scottish football, in any ground.

Hearts drew 1-1 with Hibernian but the derby was marred by a large number of crowd issues

‘I’m sure the authorities will come down heavy on it because you can’t have people coming to their work and getting hit with things like that.

‘To be honest, I’ve never been hit by a lighter but I’m sure it is pretty sore.’

Asked if he was surprised there wasn’t quicker action taken by stewards in that section of the East Stand, Neilson added: ‘I think we ask a lot of the stewards, let’s be honest.

‘It’s a very, very difficult role to do. People speak about it all the time but these are people that are trying to cover 300, 400, 500 people. It’s almost impossible.

‘I think it’s got to come from the clubs. It’s got to come from the SFA. It’s not acceptable. I don’t want the focus to be on that, it is all about the football, but you can’t have that.’

A green flare was hurled into the away end and several home fans invaded the pitch late on

A statement from Hibernian said: ‘Hibernian FC is aware of alleged incidents where objects appeared to have been thrown towards Hearts players, pyros being thrown, and pitch incursions.

‘These incidents will be reviewed again on the stadium CCTV and if an incident can be detected and someone identified appropriate action will be taken by the club.

‘The club understands the passion that an Edinburgh derby brings, and believes it has some of the best supporters in Scotland, but remains committed to providing a safe environment for players, officials and supporters.’

Hearts were on top in the wake of Shankland’s expertly-taken goal but they passed up a number of opportunities to make the points safe during the second period.

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson condemned Hibernian supporters for throwing missiles

‘We dominated the game, scored the goal and had chances to make it two, three or even four,’ said Neilson.

‘We didn’t do it and that let them back in again. Losing the goal right at the end is massively disappointing.

‘I think it was their first or second shot on target. We came out of our slot in midfield, allowed Boyle to run. They got a wee bit of luck with the cutback but that’s football sometimes. We have to accept it and come back stronger.

‘Lawrence gets his goal but I thought (Kye) Rowles was absolutely outstanding at centre-half. (Jorge) Grant was great as well. It’s great for Lawrence to get the goal but it wasn’t enough for three points.’

Asked what his emotion was after the draw, he said: ‘It’s disappointment. We expect to come here and win. We put on a brilliant performance, probably should have won but didn’t. That’s the disappointing thing, that we didn’t get what we deserved.

He said: ‘It’s not good enough. We need that stamped out of Scottish football, in any ground’

‘We just have to learn from it. We could probably have managed it a wee bit better in that, when we got into the advanced areas, you’re looking to kill the game. We have some experienced players but we also have a few young guys who are still learning the game.’

The understanding between Shankland and Barrie McKay was apparent in the way they linked throughout the match, with the former Rangers winger setting up Hearts’ goal.

‘I still think there is more to come,’ added Neilson. ‘We are on our second competitive game, most of the teams are on their sixth.

‘It takes you four, five, six games to get up to speed. As games go on, Grant is starting to get an understanding and the rest are the same. Although there is continuity in some areas, we still have some guys still learning.’