Alan Stubbs says referee spoiled Hibernian's cup win over Hearts
Wednesday 17 February 2016 19:09, UK
Hibernian head coach Alan Stubbs claimed referee John Beaton spoiled their 1-0 Scottish Cup fifth-round replay win over Hearts by issuing red cards to both sides.
Jason Cummings, who scored in the first encounter at Tynecastle when Hibs came from two goals down to draw 2-2, was booked for celebrating his fourth-minute strike in front of the visiting fans at Easter Road on Tuesday night.
In a frenetic second half, Jambos defender Blazej Augustyn, booked in the first half for a foul on Liam Henderson, picked up a second yellow in the 75th minute for throwing the ball away at a Hibs free-kick.
Moments later, Cummings joined him down the tunnel after picking up another booking, apparently for kicking the ball away, as Jambos players surrounded Beaton.
Asked if the Hearts players had instigated Beaton's decision to send off Cummings, Stubbs said: "There was an element of that. I thought the sending-offs actually spoiled the game a little bit.
"I thought they were soft red cards in the end. I don't want to see any players sent off. I just thought it affected the momentum of the game for both teams.
"I think in the first one, you are always running the risk but I didn't think he (Cummings) did anything wrong apart from stand there.
"He didn't make any actions towards the fans, he stayed on the pitch, which is what you are supposed to do.
"For the second one, I think he was booked for booting the ball away but I am led to believe he was actually looking to fetch the ball and didn't boot the ball away.
"I am obviously guessing a little from what people are saying but I thought it was a bit harsh. But we won and we are delighted."
