Hibs have tonight hit back at Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels after he again attacked Hibs midfielder Paul Cairney, claiming that the player dived to win a penalty last Saturday, this time in his column in a daily newspaper.
Despite photographic and video evidence clearly showing that it was a nailed on penalty for the Hibees, Shiels claimed that Cairney was guilty of simulation and should be suspended, as did the Killie keeper Kyle Letheren.
Hibs have hit back with the following statement:
"It is disappointing to note the comments attributed to the Kilmarnock manager and goalkeeper. It is particularly disappointing that Mr Shiels chooses to use his national newspaper column to further imply cheating by a Hibernian player when the video and photographic evidence is absolutely clear and demonstrates that the referee made the correct decision.
"The incident has been fully exposed by the television coverage. Everyone connected with Kilmarnock FC should be embarrassed that their Manager continues to draw attention to the fundamental flaws in his observation of what happened."
Hibs boss Pat Fenlon added:
"As managers we tend to at times say stupid things in quick reaction to things without thinking about it. We've all done it.
"I think the biggest gripe for me is that the evidence is there, it's in black and white. Hold your hands up and say you got it wrong and move on.
"I don't need to defend any of my players in relation to their honesty. He has been fantastic. He does his talking on the pitch and that's what I want him to do. We just want to show people what we can do when we play football."