We’re due a right hook, claims Hibs boss

IF referees’ decisions really do even themselves out over a season, Paul Heckingbottom insists his Hibs team are due four goals — and a right hook! Charged with misconduct by the SFA after a stormy 1-1 draw with Celtic at Easter Road last weekend, the Englishman was angry that Kevin Clancy didn’t make it clear he had awarded a free-kick rather than a drop ball in the lead-up to Ryan Christie’s equaliser. He became further enraged when Olivier Ntcham escaped dismissal for raising his hands to Josh Vela. Heckingbottom claims a number of decisions have gone against his team this season but doesn’t expect the situation to change ahead of today’s trip to Aberdeen. ‘It’s the ones that are absolutely black and white that seem to have been going against us all season,’ he said. ‘Blatant offsides, blatant slaps in the face. ‘Time after time, there are no debating those things. They have happened and should be dealt with. You can feel aggrieved. ‘I’m not moaning about them, it’s not excuses and we just need to be even better — and hope we get four goals given to us and one of our players gets away with a right hook. ‘Then it will have evened itself out over the season. But what are the chances of that? Very remote.’ Heckingbottom, who could face a touchline ban if his alleged breach is upheld, pointedly referred back to the Edinburgh derby in April when he accused fourth official Gavin Duncan of swearing at him. And he intends having his say at the Hampden hearing. ‘I didn’t think I said anything out of the norm (during the Celtic game) — especially when you’ve had fourth officials swear at you in the past,’ he said. ‘There are other aspects that I will stand my ground on and have a discussion about what happened — and what I think was right and wrong. ‘I’m not bitter or angry about it. I just want to go through on Thursday and get it resolved.’