Derek Riordan considers taking his case to the SPL

HIBS striker Derek Riordan is weighing up whether to take his case to the Scottish Premier League after losing an internal appeal against a fine for criticising the club's pitch.

Hibs docked the striker a week's wages after he described the Easter Road playing surface as a "bog" prior to last month's Clydesdale Bank Premier League win over Kilmarnock. The 27-year-old lost that appeal on Tuesday and was yesterday waiting to receive a letter from the club detailing their decision.

It is understood Riordan had originally intended to take his case to the SPL but that attitude has since softened. However, the forward will digest the club's letter before coming to a final decision. It is also understood Hibs exploited a clause in Riordan's contract, which requires him to represent them in a positive manner. The player appealed the decision and enlisted PFA Scotland to help fight his cause.

It is thought that Hibs fear negative comments about their pitch could ultimately lead to the SPL warning or even fining the club over its condition.

Riordan's team-mate Abdessalam Benjelloun was even more scathing about the surface after the Kilmarnock game but he reportedly escaped with a suspended fine.

Meanwhile, striker Anthony Stokes will face a Scottish Football Association disciplinary hearing over his tackle on Celtic's Landry NGuemo during Hibs' 3-2 defeat at Parkhead almost two weeks ago

The SFA's video review panel has decided Stokes, 21, does have a case to answer for the challenge, which was missed by match referee Stephen Finnie.If found guilty at the 11 May hearing, Stokes could be suspended for the first two matches of next season.