Hibs and Rangers hit by SFA charge following Easter Road bust-up

Hibs assistant head coach John Potter (far left) has been charged by the SFA following an altercation during his side's match with Rangers last month, Rangers technical coach Thomas Culshaw also faces disciplinary action as do the two clubs. Pic: SNS

The Scottish Football Association have hit Hibs and Rangers with a notice of complaint following a touchline fracas during last month's match between the clubs at Easter Road.

Ryan Porteous' straight red card for a reckless challenge on Ibrox defender Borna Barisic sparked a furious reaction between the two dug-outs, with staff from both clubs seen angrily remonstrating with each other.

Now both Hibs and Rangers have been charged, as have the Capital club's assistant head coach John Potter and the Glasgow outfit's technical coach Tom Culshaw.

The two clubs have been accused of a breach of Disciplinary Rule 204, which states that "all clubs and recognised football bodies shall procure that its officials, team staff, employees and players conduct themselves in an orderly fashion at all times during and/or after a match. In particular, clubs and recognised football bodies are responsible for ensuring that its officials, team staff, employees and players refrain from any one or a combination of the following: (a) becoming involved in a confrontation (b) conduct that is likely to lead to or exacerbate or prolong a hostile or argumentative situation with players and/or team staff from the opposing team and/or match officials (c) conduct that may otherwise incite disorder".

Potter and Culshaw have been charged under Disciplinary Rule 203 in the wake of the game played on Friday, December 20 - No member of team staff shall commit misconduct at a match.

A principal hearing for the clubs and their coaches will take place on Thursday, February 6.