Boyle hits back at Hughes outburst and denies Ibrox ‘dive’
Martin Boyle has hit back at John Hughes' “bizarre” blast as the Hibernian winger defended himself against fresh diving claims at Ibrox.
Boyle was given a yellow card for simulation as his side lost 2-1 to Rangers on Sunday but he felt it was a harsh call by refereedonrobertsonandinsisted he had been outmuscled by defender Connor Goldson. And the Australia international is worried he is getting a reputation following Ross County manager Hughes' outburst in the wake of Hibs' Dingwall win last month.
The Staggies boss pointed the finger at Boyle after watching the Hibs winger win a penalty, saying: “The last time I saw a dive like that the boy had Speedos on.”
But Boyle insists it is time he is given more protection from officials after pointing to figures which show he is one of the most fouled men in Scotland.
He said: “A lot of people are commenting on me at the moment but the way I move
sometimes it is easy to be brushed off the ball. I felt those comments (from Hughes) were a bit bizarre at the time and I haven’t commented on them before now. But that one up there was a clear penalty.
“I am being shown stats that say I am the most fouled player in the league and in some games I get taken out 10-12 times. I could get multiple people booked but no-one speaks about that.
“I get some unbelievable tackles on me and nothing is said about that. I am the sort of guy who just brushes it aside and gets up and gets on with my game.”
Boyle has been fouled 82 times this season – with only Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson taking more blows than the Easter Road player.
Boyle happily conceded the first-half coming together with Goldson on Sunday, however, was not foul play. But he was also adamant he was not trying to con Robertson into awarding a spot-kick.
“I just got bundled over and I wasn't even claiming for the penalty,” he stressed. “I went for the ball and I just wasn't strong enough and was brushed aside by the big boys.
“I said to the referee at half time that I didn't think it was a yellow card because I wasn't wanting a penalty but he said he thought I was playing for it.”