Hughes miffed by penalty decision but praises team's display

PROUD of a much-improved performance by his Hibernian side, John Hughes tried at first to brush aside his anger at the penalty awarded against them, but then said he felt referee Charlie Richmond should not have awarded the spot-kick. Robbie Keane's goal from 12 yards out gave Celtic a 1-0 win over Hibs, who are five points behind third-placed Dundee United but have played a game more.

"It's pointless talking about it – it's history," Hughes said of the decision, given against Anthony Stokes after he cleared the ball with a high boot which was close to Aiden McGeady's head. When asked to talk about it whether pointless or not, however, the Hibs manager gave vent to his feelings. "That was an indirect free-kick. I don't think that was a penalty. Then again, when was the last time somebody saw an indirect free-kick given against a team in the penalty box? I've never seen this. Stokes took his touch. His eyes have never come off the ball. He went to hook it and the boy put his body in. It was a real dubious decision. But when it's done and dusted you just need to put it behind you and get on with it."

Although it was Hibs' second home defeat in five days, Hughes had much to be pleased about. "I felt the two teams were evenly matched. Our organisation and spirit was good, and I felt both teams tried to play football in the right way.

"If the boys keep doing what they gave today, we'll get back to winning ways. They gave it everything they've got today, and some of the stuff we played was good stuff. If I'm critical, maybe the final third could be better."

Striker Colin Nish agreed with his manager's analysis. "I thought we were pretty unfortunate," Nish said. "Performance-wise we did well, and I'm feeling a wee bit aggrieved that we didn't walk away with something. From midweek that was a big improvement."