County boss Hughes left fizzing after costly refereeing decisions

Ross County boss John Hughes felt refereeing decisions cost his team in a 2-1 defeat by Hibs.

Hughes criticised referee John Beaton for awarding Martin Boyle the penalty that brought Hibs level and claimed the forward should later have been shown a second yellow for diving.

Boyle went down in a challenge with Alex Iacovitti and the Staggies were furious when Beaton pointed to the spot, the Hibs man converting to cancel out Billy Mckay’s opener.

Kevin Nisbet then sealed a 2-1 win for the visitors on the hour.

Hughes said: “I am expecting better from John Beaton to see what was up, but he only gets one look at it.

“Boyle then dived again on the far side, but John decided not to take any action as it would have been a second yellow and a red.

“The last time I saw a dive like that the boy had Speedos on.

“I’m not having a go at referees. They have decisions to make and have to make it instantly.

“I thought the second goal was offside at first, then I saw it again and it wasn’t – so I admitted that to the fourth official. That penalty, though, not for me.”

Hibs manager Jack Ross felt the penalty was the correct decision and praised his side’s reaction to going a goal behind.

He said: “I’ve seen it. I certainly don’t think he dived. The reaction we showed was pleasing.”

● Livingston sealed a top six place with a 2-1 win over Hamilton.

Jay Emmanuel-thomas and Scott Pittman scored either side of Callum Smith’s equaliser for Hamilton, who are just one point ahead of bottom side Kilmarnock with six fixtures left.

Martin Boyle.