Letter: Hampden facts

While detracting nothing from the bravery, skill and dedication of Chief Inspector Walter Hogg MBE during the Hampden riot of 1980, can I, as the Lord Provost referred to in his obituary (13 May), correct some facts?

The pitch invasion started, not as the "victorious Celtic players went up to receive their medals", nor by "their delirious supporters". It began when the Celtic team came down with their medals and the cup and began a lap of honour around the Celtic end of the pitch. This provoked the Rangers fans at the other end to come on to the pitch. The Celtic fans followed suit.

The incident occurred because, ignorant that extra time was to be played for the first time in a Scottish Cup Final, the foot police left the stadium before the end of the game. There was, therefore, no perimeter policing to nip the invasion in the bud. This can be verified by BBC footage of the game and listening to Archie McPherson's cry on commentary, "Where, oh, where are the police?"

Michael Kelly

Aytoun Road, Glasgow