Neil Lennon was frustrated by the performance of referee Stephen Finnie in yesterday’s 0-0 draw with Raith Rovers at Starks Park.
Hibs fought bravely and were unlucky not to win the three points even though they had to play the majority of the game without Marvin Bartley who was controversially shown a red card in the first half.
Referee Finnie was booed off the pitch at half time and full time by the travelling supporters as in addition to showing Bartley a red card he denied Hibs two clear cut penalty kicks.
The was the third league game in a row that Hibs have ended the game with ten men. Bartley was sent off against Ayr United then Lewis Stevenson was shown two yellow cards against Queen of the South.
With rivals Queen of the South losing 5-0 to Morton at Palmerston Park, Hibs moved to the top of the table on goal difference although Lennon will be looking over his shoulder at on-form Falkirk who are now only one point behind.
After the game Lennon told BBC Scotland: “The referee’s performance was frustrating but my team were outstanding. That is the best we have played and was totally the opposite to where we were last week.
“We were on the front foot second-half and our fitness levels were fantastic. It was frustrating not to win the game but we’ve gone top of the league and that is a big boost for us.
“I’m pretty sure once the referee looks at the red card he will realise he’s made a mistake.
“What I saw was Marvin (Bartley) was fouled then a stramash and Marvin gets a red card. Marvin told me it was for retaliation and referee said he stood on the kid’s groin.
“I’ve looked at it from three or four different angles and it was a trip and was nowhere near his groin. I will speak to the referee about it and both the penalties that we were denied.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
