Hibs defender Paul McGinn hit with SFA charge after referee comments

Hibernian’s Paul McGinn faces a possible suspension after being called to account by the Scottish FA for comments made about a match referee.

Following Hibs’ 2-1 defeat to Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final, McGinn questioned John Beaton’s decision-making in the run-up to Celtic’s second goal.

He was frustrated that Tom Rogic was allowed to take a quick free-kick that led to Kyogo Furuhashi scoring, with the Hibs players expecting a substitution to take place.

The defender described Beaton as “inept” and he has now been issued with a notice of complaint from the governing body.

He said: “No control over the situation, (Beaton) just lets it happen, and the goal goes in. I don’t know if you see me running to him straight away and get myself booked. But it’s just inept.

McGinn also disputed the decision to penalise Paul Hanlon following an aerial challenge with Liel Abada.

Scottish FA rules cover any statements that “criticise the Decision(s) and/or performance(s) of any or all match official(s) in such a way as to indicate bias or incompetence on the part of such match official; or (ii) make remarks about such match official(s) which impinge on his character.”

McGinn has been summoned to a disciplinary hearing on January 13.