Ex-Premier League referee issues one-word verdict as McGinn fumes over Kyogo controversy at Celtic
Keith Hackett has insisted Hibs can have no complaints with Kyogo Furuhashi’s winning goal as Celtic ran out 2-1 winners in the League Cup final on Sunday (19 December).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed Hibs were not ready to make a substitution and their players should know a referee does not have to whistle for a free-kick to be taken.
Defender Paul McGinn told Sky Sports after the game John Beaton’s handling of Celtic’s winner was “inept”.
He was under the impression his side were being allowed to make a substitution after Celtic were awarded a free-kick.
Tom Rogic then took it quickly to play Kyogo in behind who’s excellent first time finish sealed the win for the Hoops.
Asked if Hibs’ complaints were justified, Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “No”.
He added: “Effectively, there is a process with substitutions. They may have been going through the process but they weren’t ready.
“The referee doesn’t have to blow the whistle to restart the game. All he’s got to do is give a signal and he can do that by sticking out an arm to say ‘Ok, carry on’.
“It’s tough. Players need to concentrate and play to the whistle. He doesn’t have to blow it for a free kick to be taken.
“All it says in the laws of the game is about a signal which can be anything. He can say ‘Play on’.
“Be alert. Think of it this way, if it had happened and Hibs had scored they wouldn’t have been moaning.”
In other news, Celtic have been tipped to get ‘multiple deals done’ after a ‘brilliant’ update.