Craig Thomson to referee Hearts-Hibs derby

CRAIG Thomson will oversee his first Edinburgh derby since infuriating Hibernian fans with a contentious display in their 5-1 Scottish Cup final defeat by Hearts in 2012.

Craig Thomson has been appointed to officiate the televised capital clash at Tynecastle on Sunday. Picture: SNS

The 41-year-old referee has been appointed to officiate the televised capital clash at Tynecastle on Sunday and is sure of a hostile reception from the travelling support.

Thomson was criticised for his display in the first all-Edinburgh cup final in 116 years, with video footage showing he awarded a penalty against Gambian left-back Pa Kujabi for a foul on Suso Santana which took place outside the box.

The defender was subsequently shown a second yellow card for the clumsy challenge.

Hibs were also adamant Ian Black should have been sent off in the opening stages after a heavy mid-air collision with Leigh Griffiths before Hearts romped to a historic triumph.