Hibs boss Jack Ross has his say on handball rules after Celtic calls

After seeing Paul McGinn harshly punished in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Celtic, Ross acknowledged referee Bobby Madden was following the letter of the law – but on a rule that needs refining.

Odsonne Edouard scored from the spot with 11 minutes to play – but Hibs avoided an earlier concession when the ball struck left-back Sean Mackie. His attempts to avoid committing an offence were acknowledged but later McGinn was punished and Celtic pulled a goal back en route to salvaging a point.

Ross admitted: “You can’t complain over the award because it’s how the guidelines are set. I don’t think referees particularly enjoy giving that type of decision either.

Jack Ross would like to see the handball rule refined (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

“It’s something for those at IFAB to have a long look at. It’s been a rule that’s difficult to get right but I think most managers, players and spectators would agree it’s not right – it punishes people for very, very little.

“If you look at Sean Mackie’s one there’s a claim, but his hands are behind his back. He’s actually putting them in that position to make sure he doesn’t fall foul.

"Players believe there are others who will deliberately chip the ball as they go past you - that gives the opportunity to strike a hand. It makes it very difficult where you place your arms to ensure there’s no contact.

“I do think it’s a rule that needs revised.”

Diego Laxalt scored late to make it 2-2 during Saturday's draw between Ross' side and Celtic (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

However, Ross was not feeling sorry for himself after seeing three points and a move up to third in the table, turn into one late in Saturday’s match. Hibs have another chance to leapfrog Aberdeen tonight against St Johnstone.

He added: “In general you can always point at things that have gone against you. If you are honest enough there are things that have gone for you too. St Johnstone had a goal disallowed against us that would have been onside had VAR been in use. Then we got a penalty they questioned.

“A couple of decisions went against us at Aberdeen and in the semi final – over the season I do think you get decisions for and against you.”

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