Alan Stubbs wants answers from referee after penalty shout in play-off draw

Boss Alan Stubbs called on referee Alan Muir to explain his decision not to award Hibernian a penalty in their 2-2 Premiership play-off semi-final first-leg against Falkirk at Easter Road.

After falling behind to a Lee Miller goal in the first half, Hibs fought back after the break to lead 2-1 through midfielder Liam Henderson and defender Darren McGregor.

It looked like they would get the chance to make it 3-1 from the spot when the prostrate Bairns skipper David McCracken appeared to put his hand the ball after he and goalkeeper Danny Rogers combined to thwart John McGinn but referee Muir was not interested.

Bairns substitute Bob McHugh, on for Miller, equalised with a shot which squirmed under Hibs keeper Conrad Logan to set up what is sure to be a thrilling second-leg at the Falkirk stadium on Friday night.

Stubbs said: "I am a bit lost for words. I can't say too much but he has seen it.

"I think everyone in the stadium knew it was a penalty. He admitted that he has seen him touch it. That is why the referee should explain it.

"You just want them to get the big calls right.

"We keep asking them for consistency and we just want them to get it consistently right.

"I don't think anyone means to get it wrong but when it is so obvious. It is very surprising that it hasn't been given.

"We are capable of going there and getting a result and Falkirk will be happy with a draw."

Falkirk boss Peter Houston claimed not to have seen the incident but believes Karma could have been at play.

He said: "I am a great believer in things balancing themsleves out over a season.

"In October, in the only game that has been won this season between both sides, there was a penalty for Hibs that should never have been a penalty.

"Everyone I spoke to said it shouldn't have been a penalty.

"So if we have had the rub of the green tonight and I havent seen it, then I will take it because we are due it. The referee never saw it and we move on.

"It is winner-takes-all on Friday. It gives us the opportunity to get to a play-off final."

McCracken admitted touching the ball with his hand but insists Muir got the decision correct.

He said: "It was a handball obviously but it obviously wasn't deliberate.

"The motion of my tackle brings my body shape round that way and my hand goes on the ball.

"It was a handball but the referee got it right.

"Sometimes when things like that happen you stop for a second because you have that fear but I just continued my motion and possibly that helped the referee's decision as well.

"We would probably have a taken a draw before the game and I think the draw was a fair result."