Hibs Star Arrested for Attack on Hearts Player

Hibernian youngster Darren McCormack was arrested yesterday after an alleged attack on Hearts player Calum Elliot. Elliot was taken to hospital for X-rays on a suspected broken cheekbone. The assault allegedly took place in front of late night party goers outside the ‘Why Not Club’ on George Street, Edinburgh.

A witness said, “McCormack and a friend had been in the club and came out onto the street. Elliot’s girlfriend was still in the club and he was ringing her to get her to come out. Bouncers were nearby and raced over to stop the fight. One ended up with a burst nose. Police were quickly on the scene and McCormack was arrested.”

The witness added, “I’m a Hibs fan, but I’d have to be honest and say that I was embarrassed at what played out in front of me.”

Elliot and other witnesses were interviewed at the scene after the 2 am incident. A source at the nearby Shanghai nightclub said, “We are aware that something took place, but it was door staff from another club who were involved. One doorman ended up with a sore nose in the jostling.”

Despite starting in several first-team games this year, defender McCormack was not playing in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Aberdeen. Elliot came on as a sub in his team’s 2-2 draw with Rangers, where he almost scored a late goal that would have given his side all three points.

Last night, a police spokesman confirmed, “A 20-year-old man has been charged in connection with an alleged assault on George Street. He was released with an undertaking to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.”

The alleged incident follows other incidents involving Hibs players. Filipe Morais apologised to fans after he was fined £500 for attacking an Edinburgh doorman. The winger admitted a charge of assault on Maxims casino bouncer Robert Brown on September 26th when he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in December. Morais was later shipped to Inverness on a free transfer after his Hibs career turned sour.

Teammate Derek Riordan is the highest profile player in Edinburgh to be involved in a number of incidents, so much so he is banned from every night club in Edinburgh. The striker was initially barred for a year for abusing staff, then had the penalty doubled after being spotted at another venue.

We want your views on this. Is this a sign of the modern footballer getting out of control? Or is it just a sign of our society and the 20-somethings that party at the weekend?