Hibernian midfielder John McGinn has red card overturned
Thursday 17 December 2015 13:51, UK
Hibernian midfielder John McGinn has successfully appealed the red card he received in Saturday's Championship match against Falkirk.
The 21-year-old was dismissed by referee Kevin Clancy for a sliding challenge on Mark Kerr as he lost possession in the opposition penalty box.
But after reviewing the incident the Scottish Football Association's compliance officer has reduced the punishment to a yellow card.
McGinn, who is the current Championship Player of the Month, was facing the prospect of missing Hibernian's next two matches.
But the Scotland U21 international is now available for the games against Queen of the South and fellow-promotion hopefuls Rangers.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, McGinn said: ""I'm just grateful I had the chance to go and put my point across and I feel like we did that. There was never any malice or intent from myself."
"I was really disappointed that I was sent off. It's the first time that's happened to me and I would never go out to hurt a fellow professional and I'm glad that's been cleared up and I'm available for the next two games."
The Scotland under-21 international revealed his relationship with his girlfriend may have been frayed by the incident, having been obssesed with the appeal since the match on Saturday.
He said: "My girlfriend will be doing her nut in, I've watched it about 100 times trying to pick the bones out of it. Thankfully I don't have to watch it again and can concentrate on Saturday's game."
McGinn's contribution to Hibernian's season has been vital, with the former St Mirren player helping pull the strings in Alan Stubbs' midfield. His impact since joining from the Paisley club in the summer has been more than his two goals in twenty games in all competitions suggests.
And that was displayed by Hibernian's desire to have him cleared to play in the crucial two matches coming up in the festive period.
The club's director of football, George Craig, said: ""Of course it's a boost. Anyone watching Hibernian this season will know how important John is to the team but that's not what this was about. It's about actually making sure that John got an opportunity to be represented. We never believed it was serious foul play and we are delighted that the tribunal agreed with us."
Hibs currently sit second in the Scottish Championship, three points behind Rangers after 16 matches and will be looking forward to their League Cup semi-final against St Johnstone early next year.
