SFA confirms Edinburgh coin probe

John Rowbotham told the police about the thrown object

An investigation has been launched by the Scottish Football Association into referee John Rowbotham being hit by a coin at the recent Edinburgh derby.

It follows the receipt of his report into the Hearts versus Hibernian game.

Drew Herbertson, head of discipline and referees, said: "We will now be writing to both clubs involved for comments.

"The coin-throwing incident has been mentioned in the report and it's a worrying problem coming back into the game around the world."

Rowbotham escaped serious injury, having been struck by the missile just moments after Hibernian's late winner at Hearts' Tynecastle Stadium.

"It's still not been established who threw the coins because of the location of the incident," said Herbertson.

Hibs captain Ian Murray has been accused by police of shouting and swearing at Hearts fans during the game, but that incident was "not contained" in the referee's report.

Hearts had a £5,000 fine imposed on Friday for questioning the integrity of referee Hugh Dallas and assistant Andy Davis after Rangers were awarded a controversial penalty at Tynecastle in March.

The club's directors are contemplating an appeal against the punishment.

Hearts and Hibs must comment on the coin-throwing before the SFA's next disciplinary meeting on 3 May.

The governing body wrote to all top-flight clubs last month warning them about objects being thrown on the pitch.

"It's very concerning that incidents of this nature are occurring in matches all over the world," said Herbertson.

"This is a widespread problem and we wrote to all clubs about this in March, but these things are still going on."

Police probed the Tynecastle incident and the match commander, superintendent Terry Powell, revealed that three coins were found on the pitch close to the Wheatfield and Roseburn stands.

Six people were arrested at last Wednesday's game.