Setting the record straight for Paul McGinn over cheap Celtic jibes

In the immediate aftermath of a defeat emotions run high, especially when it comes in a cup final.

The circumstances were particularly cruel on Hibs, going in front with their first sighting of goal they were pegged back to level terms just 14 seconds after Celtic restarted.

After stabilising for 20 minutes the winning goal will be remembered for the brilliance of Kyogo and Tom Rogic’s defence splitting pass but it was also a catalogue of errors from Hibs.

Arguing over a free kick 10 yards inside your opponents half is almost the definition of straw clutching, fouls like that are given in every match, most players take it in their stride.

The substitution claim is rather far fetched. Having time wasted from early in the match it seems that McGinn wanted play held up until Scott Allan got his shirt perfect and had a full run-down on the role that he was expected to play.

Rogic wasn’t waiting around, he took the free-kick, Kyogo anticipated it, lobbing the ball over Matt Macey while their opponents stood around pointing and arguing.

Celtic didn’t get any breaks or favours, they played to the whistle, followed the rules. Happily taking advantage of slackness from opponents. Watching from the stand new Hibs boss Shaun Maloney will have noted very obvious areas that his new club will have to improve in.

McGinn told The Sun:

I’m feeling sore. We knew Celtic would have a lot of the ball in the first half. I’m a bit sore about a couple of decisions.

Fair play to Kyogo. He’s a killer, he’s on the move the whole time and his finishes especially for the second one are really good but for the second one, the fourth official has the board in his hand so we’re all expecting the sub to be made.

It’s not a foul for starters. If that was Hibs and we’re through on goal, he’ll call it back 100 per-cent but for us, he just lets Celtic go and score.

Ninety seconds after it, Anthony Ralston takes a quick throw and there’s a sub ready and he blows it back to let the sub be made.

It’s all there in black and white for me. I did have a word. You’ll see me getting booked directly after it. I don’t know what was said to me. It was ‘get away’ or something.