Michael Stewart clamps Hibs red card 'conspiracy theories' as he admits sympathy for star after sending off
The pundit has weighed in after more red card woe engulfed a Hibs clash.
Michael Stewart has hit out at those casting assumptions over Hibs’ red card vs Celtic - as he admits sympathy for Jamie McGrath.
The pundit was watching on as for the third game in succession, his former side had a man sent off, VAR consulted after the Irish international’s late challenge on Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston. It was eventually deemed a tackle worthy of red and head coach David Gray had no complaints about the first half decision.
That came with Grant Hanley, Raphael Sallinger and Felix Passlack all sent off in recent defeats to Aberdeen and Hearts. McGrath’s red has brought some critics who claimed Hibs would ‘lie down’ to Celtic if it meant putting the pressure on rivals Hearts in the Premiership title race back out the woodwork. Gray and co rebuffed such claims pre-match, and Stewart has hit out at those who’ve sought conspiracy theories over McGrath’s red, defending the midfielder.
Michael Stewart on Hibs red card vs Celtic
Stewart told the Premier Sports Social Club: “There’s been a lot of comments on this. “It's a needless tackle but that's what it is. He's just trying to block Johnston down the line. I think everybody will tell you, we've all been involved in incidents like that. And days gone by, it wouldn't have been reviewed.
“It wouldn't have been seen and we've all been on the wrong end of tackles like that, where you get caught in the ankle, and it's sore. So I'm not going to sit here and castigate Jamie McGrath. I'm saying it's a ret card but I've seen a lot of conspiracy theories out there, which is a lot of nonsense. It's a tackle where he's trying to block it down the line, catches Alistair Johnston. It is a red card. End of the day, move on.”
It’s not a game Hibs wanted to drop points in after Falkirk’s win over Motherwell a day earlier. Not only does it mean the Steelmen one place above them in fourth retained their six-point lead in the final European qualifier spot via the league, with nine left to play for, it allowed Falkirk in sixth to go within two points of Gray’s team. The pair meet this Saturday.
How is Hearts season impact Hibs?
Stewart can’t help but feel that a pursuit of the title at Hearts is now bringing a negative atmosphere to the good that resides at Easter Road. Victory is paramount this weekend to all but ensure fifth, which could become a place in Europe next season, if Celtic win the Scottish Cup against Dunfermline Athletic.
Stewart added: “Hibs are just in danger of the season really falling apart at the end here. Coupled with the fact of what's happening across the city, it makes for even more difficult viewing for Hibs supporters. As much as you try to look at things in isolation, from a supporter perspective, what's going on across the city is clearly going to be in their mindset. Whether it's consciously or subconsciously. There's a lot of good things at Hibs but my fear is that a lot of the negativity is going to drown that out. That's my fear for them.”
Former Scotland right-back Alan Hutton was also on the panel. He added: “ To be fair to Hibs, I mean, they showed character. They went all the way through right to the end, Ante Suto having an opportunity, while down to 10 men. They play Falkirk next as well. That’s massive.”
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