HEARTS have warned supporters they face being arrested and banned from Tynecastle if they invade the pitch at the Scottish Cup final.
English football has seen a spate of such incidents in recent days as fans have celebrated tension-filled occasions.
The euphoria has threatened to turn to violence, however, with Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira apparently clashing with an Everton supporter this week and a Nottingham Forest fan being jailed for head-butting Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp.
Kilmarnock supporters also staged a more good-natured pitch invasion following last month’s dramatic victory over Arbroath that clinched promotion back to the Premiership.
Meanwhile, Rangers’ last appearance in a Scottish Cup final was marred when celebrating Hibernian fans poured out of the stands, sparking worrying clashes with rivals.
Ahead of the Hampden showdown, Hearts have issued a number of pointers for fans attending the final, including warnings over the presence of sniffer dogs in an attempt to ensure flares are not smuggled into the stadium.
A statement read: “Searching is a condition of entry to the stadium and anyone who does not agree to be searched when requested, or who fails comply with the instructions of stewards or police, will be denied entry to the stadium, as will any supporter who is deemed to have consumed excess alcohol.
“We must ask supporters not to attempt to smuggle contraband into the stadium. The club advises in the strongest manner possible not to do this.
“Drug and pyro detection dogs will be deployed at entry points.
“Fans are reminded not to engage in any form of unacceptable conduct. Supporters should not attempt to take any article in to the stadium that could cause or be part of any incident of unacceptable conduct - this includes alcohol, flares, smoke devices or any type of pyro - and anyone who engages in or contributes to unacceptable conduct will face sanctions from the club.
“Any supporter who enters trackside and/or the pitch is likely to be arrested and charged, and will be subject to club sanctions.”
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