Williamson facing fine

Tam McManus' goal gave Hibs a lifeline

Hibs manager Bobby Williamson is almost certain to be fined for his verbal attack on referee Mike McCurry.

Williamson was seething at the end of his side's defeat by Rangers over McCurry's failure to award a penalty when Bert Konterman handled in the box.

But his reaction means disciplinary action is inevitable the next time the Scottish Football Association's general purposes committee meets.

SFA spokesman Andy Mitchell said: "Any manager who publicly criticises a referee and infers he has displayed bias or incompetence will be dealt with by means of a fine."

The committee meets again in a month's time.

Rangers hold off Hibs

Williamson was incensed by McCurry decision to award his side only a corner after Konterman handled as he challenged Mixu Paatelainen.

"The referee said it was unintentional. How can it be unintentional when his hands are above his head?" Williamson said.

"I just feel it is wrong. He should be brave enough to give the penalty.

"I'm disappointed in the manner things went against us. I just want to see parity.

"We are top of the Fair Play league yet when we come up against Rangers and Celtic we get more booked than them.

"Mixu Paatelainen has been booked for playing against two centre halves who have had a go at him every time and yet he's the one given a booking."

Bobby Williamson voices his displeasure

Rangers manager Alex McLeish, unsurprisingly, did not see the incident in the same light.

"Bert says he was pushed and I've got to believe my player," said McLeish.

The league leaders' boss said he was delighted to have held on for the three points after injuries disrupted his side in the second half.

Rangers played some delightful football in the first half, carving out several excellent chances.

But Hibs' goal just before half time and an improved second-half performance as well as knocks for Lorenzo Amoruso, Mikel Arteta and Claudio Caniggia meant Rangers lost the way after the break.

"We were great first half but a bit more nervy in the second half," said McLeish.

"So I was pleased to get the three points and we just need to keep winning."