Controversies shouldn’t overshadow club’s plight

Quite how the four officials in charge of Saturday’s game came to the collective decision that Anthony Stokes’ low blow on Dundee’s Jack Hendry only merited a yellow card, is truly baffling.

One assistant and the fourth official apparently had a clear view of the incident – if so, then it beggars belief that the Irish striker wasn’t sent off.

Then to add insult to Hendry’s injury, Stokes provided the cross that directly led to the Hibs winner.

It was a bitter blow in more ways than one for Dundee to take and it was little wonder that Dens boss Neil McCann was raging about the decision.

The other big talking point from Saturday was the absence of firstchoice keeper Scott Bain with the manager confirming that the 25year-old is the subject of an internal disciplinary process.

That follows an alleged bust-up between the pair after last week’s defeat against Hamilton.

However, the two controversies should not be allowed to divert attention from the bigger picture with Dundee now having suffered five defeats in a row and in a perilous position at the foot of the Premiership table.

McCann shuffled his pack once again at Easter Road, making five changes, and altered his formation but the same old failings remained.

Dundee conceded two soft goals that cost them dear while only having one counter of their own to show for some excellent play, especially in the first half.

It is easier said than done but McCann’s men have to find a way to solve these problems during the international break before what could be a pivotal game against Kilmarnock.