FRASER WISHART, the chief executive of PFA Scotland, has called for 'open and candid' talks with the authorities after James Tavernier was confronted by a Hibernian fan at Easter Road on Friday night.

A supporter emerged from the East Stand and squared up to the Rangers captain at the end of the first half before being led away by police officers.

Hibs chief executive Leeann Dempster personally apologised to Tavernier for the incident, which occurred just a week after Celtic winger Scott Sinclair was almost hit by a bottle thrown from the same area of Easter Road.

Dempster refused to rule out closing that particular section of the stadium and the Union have strongly condemned the shocking scenes that has raised further questions about player safety in Scotland.

Wishart said: “We find ourselves at a loss for words after yet another incident at a football ground which has endangered the safety of one of our members.

"We previously used the term ‘groundhog day’ and we can’t believe we are back here discussing this topic again, just days after a bottle was thrown at a player during a match at Easter Road.

"We commend James Tavernier for his calm handling of the situation last night.

"We also welcome Leanne Dempster’s swift condemnation of the incident and her comments that ‘nothing is off the table’ with regards to sanctions and action.

"It is clear that the current processes in place are not working and we call for open and candid discussions between the relevant authorities to ensure that these dangerous practices are stopped once and for all.”