HIBS coach Darren McGregor has taken aim at his side’s rivals as he accused them of DEPLORABLE behaviour.
The former defender was taking charge of a young Hibees side as they took part in crucial European action.
After winning the Scottish under-18 title last season, Hibs qualified for the Uefa Youth League where they’ll be hoping to face-off against some of the biggest clubs in the world.
The competition is divided into two distinct paths, one for teams representing clubs who are also in the Champions League and another for national champions, the latter being the path Hibs are involved in.
Their first task to navigate has been a tricky task against Kosovan outfit 2 Korriku.
McGregor’s boys made light work of the first leg, dispatching their rivals 4-0 a couple of weeks ago at Easter Road.
RAIN IT IN
Ex-Celtic star Juarez put forward as shock boss contender as longlist drawn up
Midtjylland vs Celtic
Betting preview, prediction, tips and odds for Europa League contest
But it was a far trickier occasion as the young Hibees made the trip to Pristina in Kosovo for the second leg.
And as it turned out, it was a much feistier affair as well with six yellow cards brandished.
Hibs went down 1-0 on the night but advanced 4-1 on aggregate.
McGregor said he was proud of his players despite the defeat – especially due to the ‘dark arts’ they had to put up with from the opposition.
In a post-match blast, the former Hibs and Rangers ace described Korriku’s actions as DEPLORABLE.
He wouldn’t be drawn on exactly what those actions were, instead saying he’d rather not discuss it on camera.
McGregor told Hibs TV: “We prepped the lads for that (the dark arts), we knew that would be the case.
“Trying to manipulate the boys, trying to coerce them into making bad decisions to get them booked and then playing on that. That was evident.
“There were a couple of things – that I don’t really want to discuss on camera – that were deplorable, I thought, so they dealt with it really well.
“The lads should be proud in the end of the performance. I think they will have learned from the trip, one hundred percent.
“We’re in a new environment, new stimulus, you’ve got travelling on top of that which the boys aren’t used to but I thought they dealt with it really really well and the experience that they will have gotten from this will stand them in great stead moving forward.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
