HIBS are reported to be privately seething that three Celtic players avoided being issued notices of complaint following their defender Darnell Johnson’s offer of a two-game ban by SFA compliance officer Clare Whyte.
In the fall-out of the Hoops’ 2-0 win in midweek, the Edinburgh club’s officials are said to be amazed opposition centre-back Jozo Simunovic, skipper Scott Brown and striker Oliver Burke all escaped attention of the beaks.
They were unhappy at Simunovic’s aerial challenge on Oli Shaw just before the interval that saw the forward replaced at the interval with Marc McNulty.
The Croatian’s actions were reviewed yesterday – as CQN reported– and it was deemed no punishment was necessary.
IN CONTROL…Scott Brown against Hibs in midweek.
UP IN THE AIR…Oliver Burke celebrates his goal.
Hibs also feel Brown’s tackle on Mark Milligan warranted potential retrospective punishment, while they insisted Burke fell to the ground far too easily inside the box.
Match official Thomson booked the Hoops captain for his challenge which seemed reasonable enough reaction for a mistimed tackle that was never malicious and Burke was sent spinning after a challenge as he raced into the box. He did NOT appeal for a penalty-kick.
Johnson, on loan at Hibs from Leicester City, was yellow-carded after a lunge at left-back Emilio Izaguirre and has now been charged with serious foul play.
The player’s challenge was labelled “clumsy” by Brendan Rodgers and left the Honduran writhing in agony before being stretchered off.
Although the English Under-20 international was booked, Whyte has decided further action is necessary.
The Edinburgh side are expected to reject the offer of a two-game suspension.
