Lennon and Duffy defiant after touchline fury

NEIL LENNON and Jim Duffy are both certain to face heavy punishment after they came close to trading blows as a goalless draw between Hibernian and Morton descended into mayhem at the end of the match.

The two managers were sent off, along with Morton’s Kudus Oyenuga and Darren McGregor of Hibs, as both sets of players and the coaching staff had to be pulled apart in what was an astonishing finale at Easter Road.

It all started when Oyenuga was late with a challenge on Jordon Forster right in front of Lennon, who reacted furiously. Oyenuga and McGregor squared up and the Morton man collapsed to the ground, although no contact seemed to be made.

Lennon and Duffy had to be separated as referee Nick Walsh and his officials struggled to control the situation. The pair were still trading verbals as Lennon, who vehemently made his case for innocence, was led up the tunnel.

Lennon said: “Here’s my take on it. Their guy tried to break my player’s leg and then Darren goes over, he [Oyenuga] feigns a headbutt and goes down holding his face when there was no contact.

“The next thing I know is 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.

“It will be ‘Lenny’s fault, Lenny started it, blah, blah, blah – all that rubbish. I didn’t react differently to any other manager would have to that tackle. It’s disgraceful and the boy’s behaviour was embarrassing.

“Not only has he tried to break my player’s leg, he’s got my captain sent off as well in an act of cowardice. And I have to take that? Sorry.”

Duffy was also unrepentant.

He said: “What happened at the end? It was 0-0 and a great point for Morton. I think it was a poor challenge from Kudus. It was dangerous, it was reckless and I think the referee would have dealt with it.

“He would have probably given a red card but unfortunately their bench reacted then our bench reacted – including myself. One or two things were said. It was a bit of a melee then the referee sent us both to the stands.

“It’s something new to me. I’ve been in football a long time and I’ve never been sent to the stand before tonight. It’s my first time but it’s always good to lose your virginity, eventually.”