Melker Hallberg can't make it Hibs double after Christmas engagement as Jack Ross laments missed penalty call against Rangers

Melker Hallberg got engaged to girlfriend Elsa on Christmas Day, but Ianis Hagj’s 32nd-minute intervention for Rangers at Ibrox denied him a second perfect match in the space of two days.
Rangers' Steven Davis and Hibs' Melker Hallberg (left) battle for possession during their league match at Ibrox. Photo by Rob Casey / SNS GroupRangers' Steven Davis and Hibs' Melker Hallberg (left) battle for possession during their league match at Ibrox. Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group
Rangers' Steven Davis and Hibs' Melker Hallberg (left) battle for possession during their league match at Ibrox. Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group

It was a positive Boxing Day performance against the league leaders but, having set high standards this season, there was disappointment for the Leith side as they were forced to leave Glasgow without anything to show for their endeavours.

“We knew coming into the game that it would be one of the toughest of the season,” said Hibs’ 25-year-old Swede.

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“In the end, it’s frustration that we feel. To play like we did, I think we deserved more. But you have to bear in mind the quality of the team that we’re facing. We performed well and we felt there might have been a couple of claims for a penalty but they weren’t awarded.”

The biggest shout came when matchwinner Hagi tried to thwart Joe Newell in the box, but referee Willie Collum was one of the few neutrals watching who felt the high-footed challenge was acceptable.

It was a judgement that infuriated Hibs.

“I’ve had the benefit of watching it again and it is clear-cut, it’s very obvious that it is a penalty,” said Easter Road boss Jack Ross. “But we didn’t get it so we have to move on from it. Ultimately they scored a goal and we didn’t and that’s why we have lost the game.

“We are trying to grow and foster a mentality at the club where we are not happy to lose matches so we are disappointed we haven’t taken anything from the game – but it is a day for tempering that with pride in large parts of our performance.

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“I thought we were excellent in how hard we pushed Rangers and how hard we made them work for their victory in a stadium where they have been relentless this season.

“We understood what we wanted to do in the game – there was a risk-reward side to it that we knew would allow Rangers to have the ball and create. But not many teams come here and play two strikers and we did that. That’s why we were able to be a threat through the game."

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