Hibs boss baffled by VAR but doesn't excuse penalty sinner

Lee Johnson admits Hibs were fortunate to avoid a penalty shoot-out after VAR intervened to their rescue in a goalless draw with Stranraer.

Referee Chris Graham awarded a spot-kick to the League Two part-timers in the final minute of normal time when Rocky Bushiri felled Scott Robertson inside the box.

But after a very lengthy delay, VAR official Steven Kirkland ruled there had been no contact and the decision was overturned.

Johnson: "I just can't get my head around it."

A relieved Johnson said: "I was a little bit baffled. I just can't get my head around it, to be honest.

"I'm sure Stranraer's players and management will think the same because it seemed a nailed on penalty.

"Rocky said he didn't touch him and VAR thought that too.

"It's incredible how long it took. It was the best part of three or four minutes. It felt like an eternity, but I'll take it.

"I don't think we deserved to lose the game and it would have been harsh on us to lose on penalties.

"But at the same time, Stranraer acquitted themselves great credit and I would have had no complaints had they won because they played really well and made it really difficult for us.

"They pressed us high and put us under a lot of pressure.

"They are a good side and came here with a game plan which they stuck to.

"I take my hat off to them and I wish them all the best for the rest of the season.

"But overall, I'm just glad to be through to the next round of the cup."

No excuses for penalty sinner McGregor

Johnson, though, refused to excuse Ryan Porteous for his full-blooded challenge on Scott Tiffoney which earned him a red card and a two-match ban.

The Hibs boss said: "He's let himself, his team-mates and the club down.

"I've no complaints with the red card. It was probably worse than it looked on TV.

"He's made a bad decision and it's something we have to learn from.

"We talked about discipline before the game and he's let us down in that respect.

"It's very disappointing because he's been in really good form, but that has cost us now and we'll have to cope without him for the next two matches.

"I've spoken to him and he's very apologetic.

"I've told him he needs to learn from his mistakes and show that he can be a senior player who can lead by example.

"He's still young and learning and he's got to take the next step now and start behaving in a manner that befits a senior professional footballer and an international player.

"He's got to understand that he can't afford to make these kind of mistakes anymore."