Hibs boss: I let myself down with gesture

By DAVID HARDIE
Published on 21/05/2012 12:48

Hibs boss Pat Fenlon has admitted he let himself down as he reacted to taunts from Hearts fans with an offensive gesture which led to him being sent to the stand in the final minute of the Scottish Cup final.

He claimed his gesture wasn’t aimed at the Jambos as they chanted “There’s only one Pat Fenlon,” insisting it was merely a sign of his frustration as he watched his side demolished 5-1.

Fenlon’s action was spotted by fourth official Willie Collum and relayed to referee Craig Thomson – who had already angered the Hibs support by awarding Hearts a highly dubious penalty which led to the Gorgie side’s third goal.

Thomson ordered Fenlon to the stand but the Hibs boss returned to the pitch on the final whistle, an action which could land him in further trouble with the SFA who will hit him with a two-match touchline ban for the sending off.

It is understood, however, that although Fenlon was spoken to by police in the tunnel they are unlikely to take the matter any further, content to leave it in the hands of the football authorities.

Fenlon, who accused his players of showing a lack of desire and commitment, said: “I let myself down, it was just disappointing because I was so frustrated and annoyed. I’ll have to live with it and get on with it. It’s hard to take, I feel physically sick.”

And he vehemently denied his gesture was aimed at the Hearts support as they goaded him. He said: “No, no. I was more frustrated with Leigh Griffiths on the far side giving the ball away.

“It was just frustration at the way we were playing.

“I spoke to the referee and he said it was the police. But I spoke to the police and they told me they had nothing to do with it. I made a gesture in relation to the way we were playing.”

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