Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson won’t be taking a lawyer to his forthcoming SFA hearing, joking that he isn’t sure if the club could afford one in any case.
Robinson’s direct opponent today, Hibs boss Neil Lennon, had the services of the late Paul McBride QC as he fought a six-match ban when manager of Celtic.
But Robinson is hoping that the evidence speaks for itself at his hearing, which has been brought forward to November 2nd, as he looks to avoid a touchline ban for the Betfred Cup final.
“I don’t need a QC, I’ve got Flow [chief executive Alan Burrows]. Although every time I’ve taken him I’ve lost! I’m not sure we can afford a lawyer anyway.
“Truthfully though, I’ve seen the footage that they’ve got on me and there isn’t a whole lot in it.
“We’ll go and speak to the SFA, but obviously mine isn’t quite the same as Pedro [Caixinha]’s because there was a previous incident.
“I was in a different capacity then. I’ve been a manager now for 60 or 70 games now and I’ve not got one single incident, and I’m sure that will be taken into account.
“Neil McCann and Las [Keith Lasley] were having a wee argument the other night, and I was frightened to speak.
“When you’re on the touchline, it’s an emotional game, decisions go against you or for you and with the crowd there it’s a pressure situation.
“I head Neil afterwards saying you do everything in your power to stay calm, but it isn’t always physically possible to do that.
“It’s always handbags, it’s never anything serious. I’m not worried about a bust-up with Lenny, me and him get on fine and I’m on my best behaviour.”
Easter Road boss Lennon said during the week that today’s game at Fir Park should be a ‘humdinger’ between two of the form sides in the country.
“They’ve only not scored in two games this season and we’ve only not scored in one, so it’s a guaranteed nil-nil written all over it,” joked Robinson.
“I went to watch them on Tuesday night, and Lenny has put a really good squad together. It’s going to be an entertaining game with two sides in form coming up against each other, so it’s one to look forward to.”
Hibs manager Lennon has his own off-field issues to contend with ahead of the match, as he reprimanded midfielder Marvin Bartley for a dig he aimed at Hearts’ Ross Callachan on social media following the derby win on Tuesday night.
“I don’t like it,” Lennon said. “I don’t think it’s necessary. Some of the boys think it’s banter, I would rather just leave it and enjoy the win and move on to the next game.
“I have spoken to them already and I will be reinforcing that.”
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