Rangers have released a statement condemning the "disgraceful" actions of Hibernian fans who entered the field of play and "assaulted" their players following the end of Saturday's Scottish Cup final clash.
The Gers were undone by two goals in the final 10 minutes in a feisty affair at Hampden Park, as their opponents lifted the trophy for the first time since 1902 with a 3-2 win.
Scenes at the end of the match marred what was an historic win for Hibs, however, after supporters of the Edinburgh side invaded the pitch soon to be followed by Rangers fans.
Mounted police were deployed in an attempt to separate the rival fans, but scuffles continued to break out and the trophy presentation was delayed as a result.
Rangers players were given their runners-up medals in the dressing room, meanwhile, and there was no lap of honour for Hibernian's cup-winning heroes.
In a statement released on Saturday evening, the Gers said: "Rangers Football Club is shocked at the disgraceful behaviour of Hibs fans at full time. Rangers players and staff were assaulted by these fans who invaded the pitch and in the interests of their safety could not return to the pitch for the medal presentation.
"There can be no place for the violent behaviour witnessed at the end of the final and Rangers fully expect the Scottish Football Association and Police Scotland to launch an investigation to find out where security measures failed. The club would like to commend Rangers fans for the restraint they showed under severe provocation."
Anthony Stokes and skipper David Gray scored the goals for Hibs, while Kenny Miller and Andy Halliday were on target for double-winning Rangers on a dramatic afternoon.
Daniel Lewis
