Hibs boss says Fletch appeal is 'waste of time'

However, Paatelainen remains adamant referee Craig Thomson got it wrong when he sent the Scotland striker off following a clash with Hearts skipper Christophe Berra just 30 minutes into the Homecoming Scottish Cup tie.

The Easter Road club believed television evidence and photographs supported their stance, convinced Fletcher's dismissal, which will now see him hit with a two-match ban, was the turning point in a match they went on to lose 2-0.

However, under the SFA's appeal process, the first step would be for Thomson himself to review a video of the incident and, it is understood, he had already done so during half-time on Sunday, declaring himself satisfied with his decision.

Under those circumstances it would appear to be a futile gesture to lodge an appeal which would have required Hibs to lodge a fee of 1000 which would not have been returned had they lost their case.

It's a similar situation to that which Hearts found themselves in only a fortnight ago when defender Marius Zaliukas was sent off at

Pittodrie. The Tynecastle club appealed Iain Brines' decision but the referee refused to back down from his view that Zaliukas had head-butted Aberdeen's Lee Miller despite television evidence suggesting otherwise.

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith later announced the Hampden authorities would be reviewing the procedure under which the referee is,,effectively, judge, jury and executioner.

Explaining his decision not to appeal Fletcher's red card, Paatelainen today said: "I am adamant it was not a foul but I don't want to waste time, energy and money trying to challenge it."