Head Coach Paul Heckingbottom has received a three-match ban after kicking a water bottle which struck assistant referee Alan Mulvanny and swearing at fourth official Nick Walsh during Hibs’ 1-1 draw with Celtic at Easter Road.
The Yorkshireman was shown a red card by referee Kevin Clancy after his outburst, which followed Celtic’s controversial equaliser.
Clancy initially stopped play to allow for treatment to James Forrest then with everyone in the stadium anticipating a drop ball, he awarded a free kick to Celtic from which they scored whilst the Hibs players were out of position.
The goal sparked fury amongst the Hibs’ fans and Clancy was roundly booed when leaving the field at half-time and full-time.
Heckingbottom will not be allowed in the dugout for Hibs’ Scottish Premiership fixtures against Hamilton Academical and Ross County whilst the third game of the ban is suspended until the end of the season.
He was found to have breached disciplinary rule 203 – no member of team staff shall commit misconduct at a match – at a Scottish FA disciplinary hearing.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
