BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
BOTH Neil Lennon and Jim Duffy will be free to take their places in the dugout this weekend as the SFA compliance officer pores over footage of the mayhem at Easter Road.
The Hibs and Morton bosses had to be physically separated in injury time of Wednesday’s 0-0 draw after a wild challenge by Kudus Oyenuga on Jordon Forster sparked a mass brawl on the touchline.
Lennon and Duffy were both ordered to the stand, while Oyenuga was dismissed for the initial lunge and Hibs defender Darren McGregor was shown a red card for allegedly lashing out at the Ton striker.
Compliance officer Tony McGlennan spent much of yesterday studying various sources of footage and analysing the match report submitted by referee Nick Walsh.
The actions of Lennon, Duffy, Morton assistant manager Craig McPherson and several players will be closely scrutinised – however it is understood any notices of complaint are unlikely to be dished out until next week.
As a result, Lennon and Duffy will not be banished to the stands for tomorrow’s fixtures against Dunfermline and Ayr United respectively.
Darren McGregor will also face The Pars after Lennon insisted the capital club will appeal his red card for allegedly head-butting Oyenuga.
Lennon, speaking after the fiery clash, said: “We will deal with it accordingly and we will appeal Darren’s red card because that was embarrassing”.
Hibs have until 3 p.m. this afternoon to officially submit their appeal.
The SFA are not able to convene a fast-track hearing to consider McGregor’s appeal until next Thursday and he will be free to play while his case is pending.
Oyenuga’s suspension, however, will stand after Duffy admitted after the match on Wednesday that he felt the striker’s challenge was worthy of a red card.
