Honours were shared in last week’s Edinburgh derby – a 1-1 draw at Easter Road. A few days later, fans of both clubs were united in their condemnation of a throwaway comment by Ian Rankin. His crime? The author of the Rebus novels, who lives in the Scottish capital and often sets his books there, referred to the clubs as “Catholic Hibs” and “Protestant Hearts” on BBC Radio.
This may be the perception in the west of Scotland and down south but such generalisations don’t go down well with the majority of the Edinburgh footballing public. Hibs do of course have Catholic origins. The club was founded in 1875 by Canon Hannan and Michael Whelahan from the city’s Catholic Young Men’s Society.
Hearts on the other hand, were founded one year earlier and appear to be seen as Protestant by default. That’s to say not being “Catholic Hibernian” equals Protestantism in the eyes of some. I’m not aware of any direct connections between Heart of Midlothian FC and the Church of Scotland, Freemasonry, The Free Church or any other kind of Protestant organisation. Perhaps someone can enlighten me if there is one.
It may well be true that most Catholics in the city generally favour Hibs over Hearts but it is just as likely that they will support Celtic. But the Edinburgh Greens have plenty of Protestants and/or other non-Catholics among their support.
The main reasons for supporting one of the Edinburgh clubs these days are either family tradition or location. In general, the north and east of the city leans towards Hibs while Hearts prevail in the south and west. However, that shouldn’t be taken too literally either as it as quite common for members of the same family to support different teams.
Admittedly, there are a small minority of fans of both clubs who like to latch onto the sectarian vibes of Glasgow’s Old Firm. But the majority of supporters of Hibs and Hearts take great offence at being seen as a Mini Tic or Diet Rangers.
It will be interesting to see if Rankin eventually responds to the complaints on his website. Should he apologise? At the time of writing, he does not appear to have done so.
Rankin, yer daft Fenian, apologies due to the Orange marchers, all forgiven then, eh, bhoy? (Nae bother). A tad surprised, myself, that yer man should be drawn into this sectarian shite - thought him the best 'thriller' writer for years, and apart from making Rebus a 'Hibbie' never detected -ahem - any tribal rubbish in his books. Or, indeed, in the few tv thingies I've seen. One stands enlightened and corrected. Slainte, Tiochfaidh ar la, No Surrender, God Save the Queen/Pope (strike out where not applicable).