Hibs to contest Liam Craig ban

A two-match ban was offered to Liam Craig for a charge of violent conduct. Picture: TSPL

Scottish FA compliance officer Vincent Lunny cited the midfielder for an alleged breach of Disciplinary Rule 200 after Craig appeared to try and kick Hearts forward Ryan Stevenson, who scored the winner, in the face during last Wednesday’s League Cup quarter-final at Easter Road.

The incident occurred in the 20th minute when the grounded Craig was caught on television cameras raising his left boot, having been bundled over by the Hearts player on the halfway line. After speaking to both players, referee Willie Collum decided to take no action at the time other than to award a free-kick for Stevenson’s challenge.

Hibs yesterday informed the SFA that they will contest the penalty, with the matter to be heard on Thursday by the Fast Track Tribunal.

Craig was eligible to play at Motherwell on Sunday but should the SFA uphold the punishment, the 26-year-old will miss Saturday’s visit of Inverness and Hibs’ opening League Cup tie next season.

A Hibs statement read: “The club has appealed against the notice of complaint issued against Liam Craig.”