Glasgow (AFP) – Hibernian have handed out life bans to supporters involved in the crowd trouble which marred their Scottish Cup final victory over Rangers.

Thousands of Hibernian supporters raced on to the Hampden Park pitch in celebration after the second-tier team ended their 114-year wait to win the competition two weeks ago.

But the jubilant mood quickly turned ugly as several Rangers players, including captain Lee Wallace, were attacked by Hibernian fans.

Fights also broke out on the field after a section of the Rangers support managed to break through the security cordon to get at their rivals.

The Scottish Football Association plan to set up an independent commission to examine the security measures which broke down at the national stadium a week last Saturday, while Police Scotland have launched a criminal investigation.

Hibs have been trying to salvage the club’s tarnished reputation and they now say the punishments imposed on a number of fans include life bans and indefinite suspensions.

In a statement, Hibs chief executive Leeann Dempster said: “While Police Scotland will continue with their own inquiries, we will continue to review what happened and take the action we think appropriate to protect the club’s good name.

“We will also co-operate fully with the Independent Commission established by the SFA.

“We have initiated contact with the supporters informing them of our decision. We will continue to identify and impose appropriate sanctions against others involved in unacceptable behaviour.”