Hibs Boss Slams “Lack of Professionalism” Following Another Red Card
Hibernian head coach David Gray did not hold back after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Celtic, citing a “lack of professionalism” following Jamie McGrath’s first-half dismissal. The incident marks the fourth time in just three matches that the Easter Road club has been reduced to ten men.
The Turning Point
The match swung in Celtic’s favor during the 20th minute when McGrath lunged into a tackle on Alistair Johnston. While referee David Dickinson initially brandished a yellow card, a VAR review by Don Robertson led to the decision being upgraded to a straight red.
Gray expressed frustration over the repeated disciplinary lapses, noting that such risks are unacceptable in the modern game.
“I can’t defend Jamie’s tackle because everyone knows that if you leave the ground and lunge, you’re putting yourself at risk. It is completely out of character for him, but as a group, we are suffering. We are forced into substitutions and playing with ten men. We can’t just accept that. It comes down to a lack of discipline and professionalism in that moment.”
A Pattern of Poor Discipline
This latest dismissal follows a worrying trend for Hibs. Grant Hanley was sent off against Aberdeen three weeks ago, while Raphael Sallinger and Felix Passlack both saw red in the recent Edinburgh Derby. Significantly, Hibernian has lost every match in which they received a red card during this stretch.
European Hopes Fading
The defeat leaves Hibs in a precarious position. The club has not recorded a victory since early April and currently sits fifth in the William Hill Premiership. Their grip on a top-five spot is loosening, with Falkirk now trailing them by only two points after their win over Motherwell.
The stakes for the final stretch of the season are high:
- Fourth Place: Guarantees European qualification, but Hibs now trail Motherwell by six points for this spot.
- Pressure from Below: Falkirk is rapidly gaining ground on the Edinburgh side.
Looking Ahead
Hibs face a crucial away fixture against Falkirk this Saturday. Their last visit to John McGlynn’s side resulted in a heavy 4-1 loss, a performance Gray is desperate to rectify.
“We need to go there and try to get three points,” Gray insisted. “Our last performance at their ground wasn’t good enough and we want to atone for that. There is no more room for slip-ups.”