Sturgeon criticized for not condemning soccer violence

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) - Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was criticized by soccer club Rangers on Sunday for failing to condemn the behavior of Hibernian fans after violent scenes marred their Scottish Cup final.

Several Rangers players were assaulted as thousands of Hibernian fans came on the field following Hibs' dramatic 3-2 win at Hampden Park on Saturday. Hibernian supporters broke one of the goalposts and ripped up sections of the Hampden turf, while fights broke out among rival fans.

In a post from her official Twitter account, Sturgeon congratulated Hibs on their win but didn't comment on the crowd trouble.

Rangers said Sunday that it "was not at all helpful" to see members of the Scottish government, including Sturgeon, failing to condemn the actions of Hibs fans.

"These failures are unbecoming of our elected representatives," Rangers said in a strongly worded statement.

On Saturday, Rangers expressed shock at the "disgraceful behavior" by Hibs fans while praising its supporters for showing restraint "under severe provocation." Rangers called on governing body Scottish Football Association and police to investigate "where security measures failed."

Rod Petrie, the Hibs chairman who also is the vice-president of the Scottish FA, put the violence down to "over-exuberance" in the immediate aftermath.

Rangers said it is "incomprehensible that no one, either from within the Scottish FA or Hibernian Football Club, has condemned Hibernian's supporters."

"We have not even had the courtesy," Rangers said, "of any contact whatsoever from Hibernian to ask after the well-being of those who were attacked by their club's supporters."

Police said there have been 11 arrests for minor offenses at the match.