Ex referees send verdict on Aberdeen vs Hibs red card incidents as Kevin Nisbet shares what official told him
Decisions against Hibs at Aberdeen have proven contentious.
A set of ex-referees have cast their eye over a contentious battle between Aberdeen and Hibs - with Kevin Nisbet revealing what one official said on sending off controversy.
David Gray’s side lost 2-0 at Pittodrie thanks to a double by ex-Easter Road forward Nisbet, in a setback to their European ambitions, heading into the post-split fixtures against top six opposition. It was not without debate though as David Dickinson missed a Grant Hanley challenge on Aberdeen attacker Toyosi Olusanya as he headed through on goal, a penalty awarded alongside a red card for the defender, Nisbet dispatching from 12 yards.
Then a forearm barge on Owen Elding by Dons defender Emmanuel Gyamfi had Dickinson called to the monitor but he insisted it was just a yellow, sparking uproar. On the Hanley sending off, that was reviewed by the Ref Watch panel on Sky Sports, with ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher agreeing with the eventual decision.
Former referee on red card vs Hibs
Gallagher said: “Here is the referee’s view, there you see it, a clear and unobstructed view. So you have got this spectrum where you’ve gone from no foul, to not only is it a foul, it’s going to be a penalty and a red card. It is a foul, a penalty and a red card. In fairness, the decision is right in the end.
When it came to Gyamfi’s red card potential, The Ref’s View have been left stunned that the defender was left on the pitch. The podcast ran by ex-officials Des Roache and Steve Conroy put out via social media ‘red card, beyond questionable that the ref went to VAR and thought it was only a yellow.’ Nisbet has revealed a violent conduct admission from the fourth official he disagreed with.
He said on Red TV: “I didn’t think Emmers was a sending-off, to be completely honest. I spoke to the fourth official and he said violent conduct, but I don’t think it was. I think the ref has got it spot on with that one. Saturday was probably the complete performance. We worked so hard for each other, were organised and got the points.
How Aberdeen defeated Hibs
“We’re really organised now, we’re in an organised shape. It was important to get a clean sheet as well. I think that’s what we’re all trying to pride ourselves on now, is getting clean sheets, and to go and get a clean sheet and win is great.
“I thought the back three were outstanding. They’ve been getting a lot of flak the last few weeks, but I thought they were outstanding and limited them to very few chances. Hibs kept their shape, but I thought we pressed really well, we ran in behind and defended really well. I was happy with three points.
“I thought we started the game really well. We were getting in behind a lot, me and (Toyosi) Olusanya. I thought he put a great shift in, although he didn’t score – but he’s great for me. He stretches defences so I can drop in.”