Hibernian FC have reacted to comments attributed to Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels in his column in a national newspaper today, and following on from comments made by him and his goalkeeper Kyle Letheren immediately after the Hibernian v Kilmarnock match at Easter Road at the weekend.

Following the award of a penalty to Hibernian FC when midfielder Paul Cairney was brought down by Kilmarnock defender Ryan O'Leary, Mr Shiels claimed that the penalty should not have been awarded, that there had been no contact, and then claimed that Cairney had run into the Kilmarnock player looking for a penalty. Kyle Letheren said that Cairney had been guilty of simulation and should be suspended.

A Hibernian FC spokesman said: "It is disappointing to note the comments attributed to the Kilmarnock manager and goalkeeper. It is particularly disappointing that Mr Shiels chooses to use his national newspaper column to further imply cheating by a Hibernian player when the video and photographic evidence is absolutely clear and demonstrates that the referee made the correct decision.

"The incident has been fully exposed by the television coverage. Everyone connected with Kilmarnock FC should be embarrassed that their Manager continues to draw attention to the fundamental flaws in his observation of what happened."