Hibs player charged with ´assault´ on Hearts rival

Hibernian’s Darren McCormack was charged on Monday in connection with an alleged assault on Calum Elliot, a striker who plays for Hibs’s bitter Edinburgh rivals Hearts.

McCormack, a defender,was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning, following an incident in Edinburgh city centre.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: “A 20-year-old has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged assault in George Street on March 22.

“He was released to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.”

A Hearts spokesman said of the incident, which is said to have taken place near the city’s ‘Why Not’ nightclub, added: “We can confirm that one of our players has reported an incident to the club that took place on Sunday morning in Edinburgh.

“The club has no further comment to make at this stage.”

Meanwhile Hibernian, confirming that McCormack had been charged, said in a statement: “It would not be appropriate to comment further on any action that may or may not be taken through due legal process.

“The club takes an extremely serious view of such incidents and will take internal disciplinary action as appropriate.”

The clubs did not have a match against one another last weekend, Hibernian drawing 0-0 at home to Aberdeen on Saturday while Hearts shared the points in a 2-2 draw away to Glasgow giants Rangers.

Both Hearts and Hibs play in the Scottish Premier League. Hearts are currently third in the table with Hibs in sixth place.