The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Duffy left red-faced over Hibs rumpus
Ton manager denies offering ‘square go’
Morton manager Jim Duffy has denied challenging Neil Lennon to a “square go” but apologised for his part in a touchline row with his Hibernian counterpart.
The pair were sent to the stand after clashing towards the end of Wednesday’s goalless draw at Easter Road, which kept Hibs 10 points clear of the Greenock side at the top of the Championship.
Lennon reacted angrily after Kudus Oyenuga put in a red-card 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 manager with a number of other backroom staff from both clubs involved in the melee.
Lennon claimed afterwards that Duffy had asked him for a “square go” – a fight – but Duffy responded in a statement yesterday.
“I would like to say that I watched the footage on television and 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 manager 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 butt, goes down holding his face when Darren didn’t make any contact,” Lennon said after the game.
“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.”