‘McGINN WAS TOO HONEST’

ALAN STUBBS last night claimed John McGinn had been punished for his honesty — as the Hibs boss voiced his anger over a penalty claim denied by referee John Beaton. McGinn, who was awarded a controversial penalty when Hibs won at the same venue in October, failed to make much of an appeal as he was brought down by Luke Leahy with his team trailing 1-0 yesterday. And despite seeing Jason Cummings equalise to rescue a point — which arguably benefited Championship leaders Rangers more than their two title rivals — Stubbs was furious with Beaton’s refusal to award the spot-kick. ‘We should have had a penalty,’ he claimed. ‘I don’t know why it wasn’t given. It’s a stonewall penalty. I was very surprised it wasn’t given. ‘John has probably been penalised for being too honest. He should have just rolled around.’ When it was pointed out that McGinn did not appeal, Stubbs snapped: ‘It’s called honesty.’ Asked if he thought McGinn’s reticence was linked to his involvement in the controversy on his last visit to the same venue, the Hibs boss said: ‘That’s irrelevant. If there’s contact in the box and you go down, it’s a penalty. It doesn’t make any difference whether somebody tries to get up. ‘It doesn’t make any difference whether there are no appeals for it. ‘If there’s contact in the box, outside influences should not have a bearing on the decision.’ Reflecting on a result that sees Hibs remain level on points with Falkirk but behind on goal difference, Stubbs said: ‘We’re the only team that’s beaten Falkirk at their place this season. ‘So that tells you how well we’ve done. This could prove to be a really good point come the end of the season, you never know. ‘But I thought we had chances to win it. Our standards are so high at the minute we expect to win every game, but you have to respect Falkirk. ‘Their results have been very good. We have to look at where they are. They’re a good side. ‘I’m always disappointed when we don’t win. It was one of those games that I didn’t want the final whistle because I felt we were going to get the winner. It didn’t come, but our attitude was good.’