In demanding an independent inquiry into the events at Hampden last Saturday perhaps Rangers FC should beware of what they wish for.

For the record I am a Hibernian supporter and was appalled a small minority of our fans should have ruined what was our most joyous day for over 50 years, or 114 years if you consider the Scottish Cup to be more important than the Scottish Championship

I sincerely hope all supporters who brought shame to the Hampden pitch that day are severely dealt with.

That said, the Rangers statement condones the behaviour of their own supporters who they claim were "goaded" by Hibs fans. Perhaps those in authority at Rangers should play back a recording of the match and watch the illegal pyrotechnics burning in the Rangers section of the ground. Perhaps they could also listen to the songs of bitterness and hatred spewed from the mouths of many of their supporters. Perhaps Rangers FC don't consider those ditties to be "goading" or offensive; they've certainly done precious little to stop them over the decades.

READ MORE: What really happened when the Scottish Cup Final descended into mayhem 

Interestingly few, or none, of these songs actually mention Rangers so perhaps Rangers believe this absolves them from guilt. In condoning their fans' behaviour do they also condone the fan, clearly with a blue shirt on, photographed swinging a corner flag at the head of some unfortunate?

If an independent inquiry is to take place, and it should, I would expect all aspects of the behaviour of all fans to be taken into consideration, but don't just leave it at that. The behaviour of those in authority should also be looked at.

Since the affair surrounding Celtic signing Hibs player Scott Allan, who Rangers were said to be keen on recruiting, staff at both Hibernian and Rangers have carried on a war of words, showing little respect for each other and ignoring the potential for building bitterness among the fans. They have serious responsibilities and should temper their public statements accordingly.

The media should also take a long hard look at themselves. One "journalist" over the weekend actually used the word "carnage" to describe events on the park post-match. Tell that to the citizens of the Palestinian West Bank or Tikrit, I'm sure they will be full of sympathy.

Reporting of events using such hyperbole, whilst it may make for interesting reading, merely helps to fan the flames of bitterness.

Finally the last body to take a long hard look at their inaction over the years must be the empty suits of Scottish footballing authority.

Time and time again calls have been made to end the sectarian bile of both sides of our unfortunate religious divide. These songs are not sung to encourage teams (as stated, very few from either side of the divide actually mention a football team), they are sung to "goad", to create hatred and contempt. When will we finally say, enough is enough? 

Cal Waterson, 37 Crosshill Street, Lennoxtown.

Having attended the cup final at Hampden on Saturday I shared with every other Hibs fan the ecstasy of victory and the ending of a hoodoo that had lasted 114 years. I witnessed the stupidity of some extreme elements of the Hibs support, who came close to ruining the occasion for everyone at the end.

Returning from Hampden to Glasgow Central Station en route to Edinburgh, and in light of the events we had just seen, I was a little worried as my nine-year-old grandson was wearing a Hibs baseball cap and under his jacket a Hibs shirt.

When at last the segregated fans began to mix I became more concerned and when I saw a large and tough-looking fan bedecked in Rangers colours approach I stiffened and braced myself for possible trouble, although my son-in-law was there also and we were ready for anything.

My faith in human nature was restored and the day made even more when the fan clapped my grandson on the shoulder and said: ‘’Well done, wee man! Your team deserved it.’’  Smiles all round.

A fitting end to a great day.

Alexander McKay, 8/7 New Cut Rigg, Edinburgh.

Since its controversial founding, Police Scotland has been subjective to a host of criticisms, some self-inflicted.

Am I alone, however, in thinking that the disparagement of their intervention at the Cup Final at Hampden on Saturday to be wholly unjust?  Their response seemed to me to be timely, commensurate and organised.

The slowly-advancing line of yellow-vested officers across the width of the pitch, backed by a mounted force, was enough to gradually quell the volatile situation, without resort to more dramatic measures.

Imagine a similar scene in such as Barcelona, with the forces of law and order baton-charging, split heads and general carnage.

Well done the Polis!

Iain L MacLeod, Dunnottar, Academy Road, Rothesay, Isle of Bute.

Records reveal, that before Saturday’s success, Hibs had last won the Scottish Cup 114 years ago and understandably have been lampooned as the bridesmaid of this particular tournament.

Who then was the best man at Saturday's final? I would suggest referee Steven McLean earns that plaudit for his quietly effective performance in a keenly contested match.

Pity that the actual game will pale into oblivion due to the antics of a minority of mindless morons who brought shame to themselves, their club and most importantly the beautiful game.

Allan C Steele, 22 Forres Avenue, Giffnock.