Michael Stewart appeared to accuse Aberdeen midfielder Brad Lyons of diving after Joe Newell was penalised for a foul during the Scottish Premiership defeat by Hibernian at Pittodrie.
Lyons went to ground as Newell challenged for the ball just inside the Hibs half during the first 45 minutes. Referee Duncan Nicolson appeared to hesitate before awarding the Dons a free kick, prompting an immediate protest from Newell.
Stewart, analysing the game for Premier Sports, was surprised by the decision.
“I thought Duncan Nicolson wasn't going to give the free kick and it certainly looked as if there was very little contact, if any,” said the former Hibs and Hearts midfielder.
After watching a replay of the incident, Stewart delivered an even stronger verdict, insisting Newell had made no contact with Lyons.
“There isn't [any contact],” the ex-Scotland international continued. “It's a dive, and I thought the referee had actually read it that way. That's not a free kick.
“It certainly seemed as if the referee was unsure. Joe Newell is protesting, and understandably so, because he doesn't touch him.”
Nicolson's decision stood, however, and Aberdeen were allowed to take the resulting free kick.
Read more
-
At Pittodrie, I saw each of Hibs' four goals tell a story about Marink Reedijk's team
-
Why Marink Reedijk quoted Picasso after Jamie McGrath sparked Hibs win at Aberdeen
-
Six days that changed Hibs: from Hampden catharsis to Pittodrie comfort
-
Hibs face Felix Passlack wait as Marink Reedijk delivers worrying early update
-
Marink Reedijk praises Alex Williams after Hibs defender answers Pittodrie call
Stewart later came to the defence of Josh Mulligan during the second period, after the Hibs player was penalised for a challenge on Nesta Guinness-Walker.
“He wins the ball. That's a good tackle from Mulligan. He slides in, wins the ball… You know, there's been a bit of pressure from Aberdeen; they've shown a bit of urgency and energy. Hibs counter it with a good tackle that wins the ball," Stewart stated.
“You've got to be mindful of the fact that you're allowed contact in the game. He wins the ball. The Aberdeen player follows through onto the Hibs player, and that's why the connection and the contact are there.
“Josh Mulligan's tackle is absolutely fine. In fact, he should be applauded.
"As soon as you start trying to take that aggression out of football, it'll be a far worse product for people to watch," the Premier Sports pundit warned.
Hibs won 4-0 thanks to second-half goals from Jamie McGrath, Callum Wright, Nicky Cadden, and Thibault Klidje.
Share