Embarrassed Duffy denies ‘fight’ claim

Morton boss Jim Duffy has denied challenging Neil Lennon to a “square go” but apologised for his part in a dramatic touchline bust-up with his Hibernian counterpart.

The pair were sent to the stand after clashing towards the end of Wednesday night’s goalless draw at Easter Road, which kept Hibs 10 points clear of the Greenock side at the top of the Ladbrokes Championship.

Lennon reacted angrily after Kudus Oyenuga put in a redcard tackle on Jordon Forster before going down holding his face when confronted by Darren McGregor, who was also sent off.

Duffy then confronted his opposite number and Lennon was held back as he tried to get to the Morton boss with a number of other backroom staff from both clubs involved in the melee.

Lennon claimed that Duffy had asked him for a “square go” – a fight – but the former Dundee manager responded in a statement which was posted on his club’s website yesterday.

“Firstly, I would like to say that I watched the footage on television last night and, from my point of view, I was embarrassed when I saw my reaction,” the 57-year-old said.

“I am not going to get involved in a public debate with the Hibs manager, but what I would state is that I categorically, 100% did not ask for a ‘square go’ or use anything even remotely like that term.

“Yes, I acted immaturely – but I’m not 12 years old.”

Referee Nick Walsh told Lennon he would be submitting a report on the incident but the former Celtic boss is adamant that he was not to blame.

“The guy tried to break his leg and then Darren McGregor goes over and he feigns a headbutt, goes down holding his face when Darren didn’t make any contact,” Lennon said.

“And then the next thing I’ve got the Morton manager asking for a square go, which is fair enough, I’m not going to back down.

“Then I’ve got the assistant manager and the Morton players. But it will be ‘bad old Lenny, Lenny’s fault, Lenny started it, blah, blah, blah’, all that rubbish.

“I didn’t react in any other way that any other manager wouldn’t react to a tackle like that.

“It’s disgraceful, the boy’s behaviour was embarrassing. Not only has he tried to break my player’s leg, he has got my captain sent off as well, in an act of cowardice.

“And I have to take that? Sorry.”

Jim Duffy: sent to the stand for the first time in his managerial career.