Fenlon: 'Four big points have been lost, not dropped . . .'

Chief Sports Writer

Monday 11 March 2013

PAT FENLON, the Hibernian manager, last night counted the cost of a decision that denied his side a victory in the Edinburgh derby.

Television pictures show Jamie MacDonald, the Hearts goalkeeper, watching helplessly as Leigh Griffiths' free-kick lands over the goalline

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Hugh MacDonald

A Leigh Griffiths free-kick after 77 minutes crossed the line but referee Euan Norris and his assistant, Raymond Whyte, did not signal a goal and Hearts came away from Easter Road with a point after a match that ended goalless.

Fenlon was later asked if he had ever witnessed a bigger mistake from officials. "Yes," he replied. "Against Dundee United a couple of weeks ago." This was a reference to a penalty that was awarded after Ryan McGivern tripped Gary Mackay-Steven outside the box. Johnny Russell then converted the award, robbing Hibs of a victory."That is four big points for us that have been lost rather than dropped so we are desperately disappointed," Fenlon expanded. He said of referees: "They should be coming out to explain why the decisions are given."The Hibs manager added: "I told the referee after the match that these are decisions that can cost places and money. "Fenlon said Norris had told his players that "if he's not sure he cannot give it". Norris was the referee at Easter Road last season when Hibs were awarded a goal for a shot against Dunfermline Athletic that did not cross the line.IFAB, the football rules body, has given a go-ahead in principle to goal-line technology but Kevin Thomson, who has signed for Hibs until the end of the season, and was warming up on the bye-line when Griffiths shot, said: "It was miles over the line."It is believed the assistant linesman, who was in line with the second last Hearts defender, was adhering to a FIFA guideline on positioning at free-kicks.Meanwhile Gary Locke, the Hearts caretaker manager, will have this players training today as he prepares them for the Scottish Communities League Cup final against St Mirren on Sunday.There is speculation that Peter Houston, the former Dundee United manager, is in line to take the job vacated by John McGlynn. "If they bring somebody new in, then great," Locke said. "If not, we will prepare the team as normal for the next game."

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Fenlon: 'Four big points have been lost, not dropped . . .'

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