Hibernian fume after being denied 'stonewall' penalty

 

Will Aitkenhead
Monday 24 December 2012 00:00 GMT
Comments
Eoin Doyle equalised for Hibernian against Kilmarnock yesterday
Eoin Doyle equalised for Hibernian against Kilmarnock yesterday (PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Hibernian moved back into the top four of the Scottish Premier League after a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Kilmarnock today.

Paul Heffernan gave the home side the lead inside 10 minutes at Rugby Park when he produced a fine effort from inside the box that lobbed Ben Williams in goal after the Hibs defence had failed to clear a free-kick.

The visitors were soon on level terms, however, after Eoin Doyle finished powerfully from close range following good work by Leigh Griffiths down the right.

Paul Cairney thought he had won a penalty for the visitors in the closing stages as he went down under the challenge of Michael Nelson but the referee booked him for simulation.

Cairney will now be banned for one game after exceeding the threshold for the number of yellow cards and he expressed his anger at the decision.

"I know it was a stonewaller," he said. "I have seen the replay and it was a stonewaller. The boy caught me. I am an honest player."

Hibs manager Pat Fenlon added: "I haven't seen it so it is difficult to comment. I am more disappointed with the yellow card because we will lose Paul through suspension."

Heart of Midlothian moved up to sixth after running out 2-1 winners over Dundee United thanks to two first-half goals from Ryan Stevenson. The first came as Brian McLean tried to usher the ball back to his goalkeeper but John Sutton snuck in and Stevenson lashed home.

He made no mistake from the spot for his second after Willo Flood was adjudged to have brought down Dylan McGowan in the box.

Keith Watson pulled one back for Peter Houston's side just before the hour mark to set up an exciting finish but, as United pushed for an equaliser, the excellent Hearts defence stood strong to secure all three points.

On Saturday, Inverness had heaped further misery on Dundee with a 4-1 win over the bottom club thanks to two goals from Billy McKay.

Neil Lennon's Celtic side kept their five-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League after a 4-0 win over Ross County, with Gary Hooper scoring twice.

A second-half brace from Niall McGinn helped Aberdeen to an important 2-0 victory at home to St Johnstone.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in