FRASER Wishart, chief executive of PFA Scotland, has revealed in the wake of Neil Lennon being hit by a coin that over a third of Scottish professional footballers have been threatened by supporters

Hearts and Hibernian are meeting today (Thursday) in Edinburgh when Ann Budge and Leeann Dempster will discuss the events at Tynecastle.

Aside from Lennon being struck by a one pound coin at the end of the match, thrown from main stand packed with home fans, Hearts goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal was punched as he retrieved the ball at the Hibs end of the ground.

And, shockingly, such threatening behaviour is far from rare in Scotland.

Wishart said: "It is like Groundhog Day as it seems we are continually having to discuss and address issues like this happening at football grounds across the country.

"After last night’s incidents at Tynecastle, we stress again that any form of verbal abuse, violence or the throwing of objects at players and managers needs to be taken seriously and we trust that the authorities will take the appropriate action to ensure that this dangerous practice is stopped.

“The football pitch is a player’s place of work and it is not unreasonable for a player, like any other employee, to be able to work with the knowledge that their workplace is indeed a safe environment, free from violence and discrimination and that their health and safety is not at risk.

“PFA Scotland conducted a survey of our members in 2016 as part of a worldwide survey for the World Players Union FIFPro. Worryingly, 35% of those players surveyed said they had been threatened by fans (34% on a match day).

"Any form of abuse – verbal or physical – is wholly unacceptable and it is of paramount importance that something is done before someone is seriously hurt or maimed.”

Speaking on Jim White’s show on talkSPORT, Dempster, the Hibs chief executive, said: “Irrespective of what a manager does track side he does not deserve to be hit by an object and if others or the league deem any manager’s antics to go beyond the realms of what is acceptable then that will be dealt with.

“But remember we are in the entertainment business here as well. I’m sorry I do not support anyone who says the manager having an interaction with supporters in that manner deserves to be hit by an object.”

When White said Lennon was 'goading' the Hearts fans by celebrating a last minute goal being disallowed, Dempster said: "Well I am going to disagree with you because I don’t think that’s what he was doing.

“I think you just have to look at the circumstances. Neil said last night we know what the interaction is like when he goes there. And he’s human like everyone else.”

Police Scotland described the incidents as “mindless acts of violence” and said officers are investigating.

The force also confirmed that a 25-year-old man has been arrested in relation to an alleged assault on an assistant referee during the game.

Lennon said: “I’m very, very angry. I’m fizzing about it.

“It’s disgraceful. I don’t blame the club - you can’t legislate for the hatred of some individuals or the badness.

“What possesses people to throw things on to a football pitch I will never know.

“I believe Zlamal was hit as well. It’s just ridiculous. We don’t defend that behaviour from our supporters as well. Hopefully both individuals will be singled out.

“I would like to meet the individual who threw the coin at me some day, because I am not happy about it at all.”

The Irishman was previously assaulted by a Hearts fan on the touchline while Celtic manager.

Zlamal appeared to be struck by the arm of a fan in the Hibs end as he went to retrieve the ball from behind his goal and missiles appeared to rain down as he got up and gestured in defiance.

Chief Inspector Murray Starkey, match commander, said: “Police Scotland condemn the mindless acts of violence which included missiles being thrown during last night’s Edinburgh derby.

“I can confirm we are investigating two separate incidents involving the Hearts goalkeeper and the Hibernian manager during the match.

“A 25-year-old man has been arrested and charged in relation to an assault involving the assistant referee.

“A total of five arrests have been made. Anyone who witnessed these mindless acts should contact the police on 101.”