Police line the pitch after a fan invasion at Hampden Park following Saturday's Scottish Cup final

The Scottish Football Association has begun the process of appointing an independent commission to look into the fan violence which followed Saturday's Scottish Cup final.

Thousands of Hibernian supporters flooded onto the pitch at the end of their 3-2 win and Sky sources understand six Rangers players and staff were assaulted and injured.

A much smaller number of followers of the Ibrox club also went on the pitch and fights between rival fans broke out.

Rangers published a statement on Sunday night criticising Hibernian, the SFA and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

They also called for an independent review and have now been granted their wish, with SFA chief executive Stewart Regan confirming moves have been made.

He said: "The Scottish FA has today initiated the process of appointing an Independent Commission to investigate the circumstances of Saturday's Scottish Cup Final disorder.

A general view of the Hampden pitch at full-time after a fan invasion by Hibernian fans

"A chairperson will be appointed in early course and the commission's remit will be to review all operational matters relating to the event hosting of the final.

"It will be convened to analyse the processes and protocols undertaken in the staging of the match and I would encourage all relevant stakeholders to contribute to it.

"In the interests of transparency, the commission's findings will also be published in full.

Police horses were needed to restore order at Hampden following the pitch invasion by Hibernian fans

"In addition, the Scottish FA's Compliance Officer has also started the process of investigating potential rule breaches from a football regulatory perspective.

"It should be pointed out that as the cup final is now subject to a criminal investigation by Police Scotland, we will share all information gleaned so far with them.

"I have also instructed the compilation of a comprehensive report from all our internal group functions at Hampden Park to establish a full picture of the events of the weekend. The contents of this report will be made available to the commission.

Chief executive Stewart Regan revealed the SFA's compliance officer has begun investigating any potential rule breaches by Hibernian and Rangers

"I am keen that the Scottish FA is proactive in the investigations with the police authorities and the Independent Commission.

"In the meantime, I would urge all parties involved in the ongoing situation to demonstrate calmness, clarity of thought and responsibility as we proceed towards a satisfactory conclusion."

Police have set up a dedicated incident room and Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said: "I'd appeal to anyone who has information in relation to criminal behaviour at Hampden on Saturday to contact detectives on 0141 532 5457."