Hibernian’s O’Connor escapes diving ban

Hibernian striker Garry O’Connor has managed to escape punishment from the Scottish Football Association for diving.

The former Birmingham City man was facing a two-match ban for diving for a penalty in his side’s 3-2 win over St Johnstone just over a week ago and it appeared as though he would be given the sanction after his manager Colin Calderwood and assistant Billy Brown admitted the spot-kick should not have been paid.

However, the SFA Fast Track Tribunal came to the conclusion that O’Connor was fouled by Saints defender David McCracken and the two-game suspension would be dismissed.

Last night, McCracken was gutted that he had been penalised on the day and could not believe that O’Connor was not sanctioned.

"We were aggrieved at the time — and we still are,” he said.

"Everyone who has seen it seems to think it wasn't a penalty, so I'm a bit surprised by this decision, especially after hearing Billy Brown say it wasn't a penalty!

"My position on this hasn't changed from the moment it happened. I don't think there was any contact between myself and Garry that forced him to go down.

"If there was any contact it was actually from him on me.

"If you watch the incident I actually turn my back on him."

 
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