Harry McKirdy transfer in jeopardy after he is charged for throwing drink at referee's suit

Rumoured Hibs target Harry McKirdy could have scuppered any potential move away from Swindon Town after being charged for throwing a drink over a referee’s suit during a match earlier this month.

The 25-year-old, who has been linked with Hibs again this week, could further punishment for the incident, which happened after he was sent off on August 6 during a 0-0 draw with Salford.

Referee Andy Woolmer sent off McKirdy just before half time during the match at the Bescott Stadium for a tackle he deemed worthy of a second yellow card.

McKirdy has been booked earlier on for dissent and riled because he was not awarded a penalty earlier in the match.

Harry McKirdy is now under FA investigation for an incident earlier this month.

Sky Sports News have since revealed that McKirdy first vented his frustration by going into the kit room and “throwing a number of items around to vent his frustration”.

He then went into the referee’s changing room, which was open, thinking it was half time to confront the official, only to find that he was not present. He then threw a protein shake against the wall, which subsequently burst and soaked Woolmer’s suit.

McKirdy has served his one-match ban but could face a prolonged spell on the sidelines due to his actions, with the FA set to take a dim view on proceedings – and that could have consequences for a move away from Wiltshire.

Clubs in Scotland and England’s League One and Championship are monitoring his situation, but now that the FA has charged McKirdy with a breach of Rule E3 – using aggressive and/or improper behaviour, in an incident which was outside the jurisdiction of the match officials – a transfer could be in jeopardy.

An independent commission is going to be called to hear the case, with written evidence provided from all parties involved. A date has not been set for the hearing, with Swindon saying that they have cooperated fully with the authorities and that they have launched their own enquiry.

Hibs were initially linked with the player in April and had reportedly “revived their interest” this week, according to The Sun’s football journalist Alan Nixon.

He is understood to be on a long list of possible summer targets drawn up by the recruitment team at Easter Road before Lee Johnson’s appointment.

McKirdy has scored 25 goals and provided 10 assists in 49 appearances for the League Two club since arriving following a successful trial in 2021.

He is under contract at the County Ground until the summer of 2023. The Swindon Advertiser has reported that the club has yet to receive a formal offer for his services.

Johnson hasn’t ruled out more comings and goings before the transfer window closes on September 1, but admitted that it may depend on players being offloaded first after going over budget to bring back Martin Boyle.

“I think there would have to be a couple of outs if there are to be ins,” he said a couple of weeks ago. “I think we’ve probably just tickled over the budget. But we’re always open and there’s always a little room for manoeuvre.”