My simple message to the supporters of every team

Russell: Field of dreams a no-go

- BY FRASER WILSON

TROUBLE Police use horses to control fans in 1980 final

BOBBY RUSSELL was on the Hampden pitch for every one of the 120 minutes that made up the infamous 1980 Scottish Cup Final.

Luckily for the Rangers legend, he was safely back in the dressing-room when the fan trouble properly kicked off.

It wasn't until later that night, when he switched on the television back home, that the shocking images brought home the full extent of the violence to the Ibrox midfielder.

Almost 46 years later, Russell was again watching on telly as scenes not witnessed since that Hampden shame game scarred last Sunday's Scottish Cup quarterfinal at Ibrox.

Shades of 1980 were there for all to see as rival supporters charged on to the park from opposite ends of the stadium. Only this time players and members of staff were caught up in the chaos while missiles, including a lit flare, were lobbed into the stands.

Russell, now 69, reckons it was another sad day for our game. And he knows there will be repercussions.

Most likely for away allocations in the first instance.

The Ibrox Hall of Fame member, who won 10 trophies and made 380 appearances in a decade from 1977, admits that's a poor state of affairs. But until supporters realise the pitch is the sole preserve of players, officials and staff, then he can't see any other way.