Hibs star Malonga banned for Falkirk, Arbroath ties

Dominique Malonga trudges off after being shown the red card by Bobby Madden. Picture: SNS

The new Congo cap was dismissed in the 87th minute of Saturday’s 2-1 fourth-round victory over Alloa Athletic after lashing out at marker Ben Gordon in an off-the-ball tussle.

In his official paperwork lodged with the SFA, referee Bobby Madden has reported the former Torino and Cesena striker for ‘violent conduct’, resulting in a two-match ban for the 25-year-old.

With the offence coming in the cup, one game is to be served immediately, against Falkirk, and the other in Hibs’ next appearance in the cup, against Arbroath.

CONNECT WITH THE SCOTSMAN

• Subscribe to our daily newsletter (requires registration) and get the latest news, sport and business headlines delivered to your inbox every morning

• You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google +

The red card summed up a disappointing afternoon for Malonga, who had netted a hat-trick in the previous week’s 6-3 victory over Dumbarton to take his season’s tally to nine since his arrival in September.

And head coach Alan Stubbs has warned the Paris-born player he must remain a team player if he is to continue thriving at Easter Road.

Stubbs said: “First of all, Dominique has gone to spin in behind him and the boy’s all over him, checking his run. There’s been a coming together and Domnique has made contact.

“I think it was a clip, rather than a kick, but whatever it is there’s no excuse for it.

“Now, we miss Dominique.

“I’ve told him, I didn’t think he was at it, especially in the second-half. There’s no hiding place, we’re all in this together. There’s no I’s, it’s we, it’s as simple as that. We don’t get results as individuals, we get results as teams.”

Meanwhile, Stubbs insists Hibs will not underestimate Arbroath after being paired with the League Two leaders in the last-16 of the Scottish Cup yesterday.

Hibs squeezed past Championship rivals Alloa at the weekend and were handed a winnable home tie as a reward as they seek to land the trophy that has eluded them since 1902.

Stubbs said: “First and foremost, we’re delighted that we’re at home. As I’ve said before, getting a home draw was a priority, so we’re pleased we’ve managed to get that.

“The tie against Arbroath will be a tough game - they are currently doing really well and are top of League Two.

“We will have them watched and prepare properly for the tie. We certainly won’t underestimate them and we will give them the respect they deserve.

“It should be a good Scottish Cup tie and it’s one that everybody is looking forward to.”

SCOTSMAN TABLET AND IPHONE APPS

• Download your free 30-day trial for our iPad, Android and Kindle apps

• Keep up to date with all aspects of Scottish life with The Scotsman iPhone app, completely free to download and use