Hibs appeal Porteous red card in 2-1 Rangers defeat

Hibernian have launched an appeal against the sending off of Ryan Porteous in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox.

The defender was sent off for a tackle on Joe Aribo in the first half of the Premiership game as Hibs were leading 1-0 thanks to Kevin Nisbet’s opening goal.

Second half goals from Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos turned the tide back in Rangers’ favour as they took all three points to go back to the top of the league.

The red card proved to be the most controversial moment of the weekend’s fixtures and divided opinion among pundits and the clubs with some claiming he won the ball fairly and others saying the tackle was dangerous.

After the game Steven Gerrard blasted the challenge and claimed it could have ended Aribo’s season had it connected properly.

The Easter Road club have now responded with an appeal against the decision as they look to clear the 22-year-old’s name.

Chief executive Ben Kensell said: “After reviewing footage of the incident, we have decided to appeal the decision.

“We believe we have enough evidence to show his challenge was not worthy of a sending off.

“We will await an answer from the SFA and stand united with Ryan, who has our absolute support.”

If the red card is upheld, it means the centre-half will miss the first two Hibs games after the international break when they face Dundee United at home on Saturday October 16 and Aberdeen away on Saturday October 23.