Mike Riley, chairman of the Hibernian Supporters' Association, has played down the significance of Rudi Skacel's decision to wear the No.51 shirt at Dundee United.
The Czech requested the squad number as a nod to the 5-1 Scottish Cup final win over Hibernian while playing for Hearts last season.
The decision was thought provocative enough for Peter Houston, the United manager, to apologise to Hibs supporters.
However, rather than react angrily, Riley believes supporters will not be unduly concerned by the antics of the Czech forward. "Some Hibs fans will take it badly but I think the majority will just ignore it," he said.
"Do we take it as a laugh? Yes, you have to think about how we would have reacted had the boot been on the other foot.
"These are the kind of cheeky things we could do without in the game, things that are designed to antagonise opposition players and supporters. I'm sure it will gee Hibs up."
But Riley could not resist a wry comment of his own. "Hibs were the home team in the Scottish Cup final, so he should have asked for the No.15," he added.
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