Dundee boss Neil McCann furious after controversial challenge on Jack Hendry
McCann's side went down 2-1 to Hibs at Easter Road
Last updated 4th Nov 2017
Dundee boss Neil McCann has labelled John Beaton's decision not to dismiss Anthony Stokes as outrageous after accusing the Hibernian forward of punching Jack Hendry “in the balls”.
The pair clashed amid a melee in the second period, with Stokes appearing to lash out at the Dee defender.
After the dust settled, and following consultation with assistant referee Kylie Cockburn and fourth official Graham Beaton, the man in the middle booked both Stokes and Hendry.
McCann was seething in the aftermath and, to add insult to injury, the Ireland international went on to set up the winning goal for Simon Murray.
“I know the fourth official has a clear view because he is standing next to me and I know Kylie can see it because she is looking down the same barrel,” McCann said.
“Then John Beaton then gives a yellow card - before booking my player, who had been punched, too.
“After the game, John Beaton told me he goes on the information he has been given. That information was 'the player has been struck by another player' but he said he didn't deem it violent conduct; it was 'aggressive behaviour'.
“Well, I'm sorry, but it doesn't take a lot to be painful when you get clipped in the balls with a closed fist.
“People might be thinking 'oh, he's lost the game and looking for excuses'. Well, it's not the case - it was outrageous.”
McCann, whose side remained bottom of the Scottish Premiership following a fifth straight defeat, also addressed the absence of Scott Bain following reports of a bust-up between the pair.
Elliott Parish was between the sticks for the reverse in the capital as McCann confirmed that Bain is the subject of disciplinary action.
He said: “There is an internal discipline process and once there is something to say - when that process is done - he'll be told. There's no timeframe on that right now.
“He is still contracted to the club until the summer and I don't want to go into it right now. I'll be honest and up front when it's done. However, it would be wrong to comment right now.”
Murray's 13th goal of the season ensured a fourth win on the bounce for the Hibees after Martin Boyle and Marcus Haber had struck in the first period, and Neil Lennon was beaming with pride after his men fought fatigue to claim all three points.
“I can't speak highly enough of the players,” Hibs boss Neil Lennon said. “We were dead on our feet and it's like Emergency Ward 10 in there. But we dug in were outstanding at times.
“We have had five games in two weeks, really intense - won four and lost to Celtic in the (Betfred Cup) semi, so we need the break just now.
“If we had a game on Tuesday I would only have 15 fit players, so this break will do the players the world of good."