Perfectly good goal by Leigh Griffiths denied by referee
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Hibernian were denied three points from Sunday's Edinburgh Derby with Hearts after match officials failed to award a clear goal from Leigh Griffiths' free-kick.
The incident came with 15 minutes to go at Easter Road when Griffiths unleashed a fantastic free-kick from 40 yards out.
It soared over Hearts goalkeeper Jamie Macdonald, crashed off the crossbar and dropped behind the line before bouncing back into play.
Replays showed the ball crossed the line by a considerable margin, but referee Euan Norris waved play on and Hearts escaped with a 0-0 draw.
"I'm disappointed for the players to be honest," Hibernian boss Pat Fenlon told Sky Sports.
"I've watched the replays and it's not even close to being on the line - it's a good yard, it's almost touched the back of the net.
"I told the referee it was in. He said if he's not sure he can't give it. It's his decision but it's clearly well over the line."
Hearts interim manager Gary Locke added: "From where I was, it was difficult to see.
"I've just seen it again and obviously it's in but the referee didn't give it and that's the most important thing.
"It was a great strike and it went over the line and it's one we've got away with so maybe the luck is turning for us now."
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| A footage shows that Leigh Griffiths's shot appears to cross the goalline but a goal is not awarded Photo: YouTube |
The incident came with 15 minutes to go at Easter Road when Griffiths unleashed a fantastic free-kick from 40 yards out.
It soared over Hearts goalkeeper Jamie Macdonald, crashed off the crossbar and dropped behind the line before bouncing back into play.
Replays showed the ball crossed the line by a considerable margin, but referee Euan Norris waved play on and Hearts escaped with a 0-0 draw.
"I'm disappointed for the players to be honest," Hibernian boss Pat Fenlon told Sky Sports.
"I've watched the replays and it's not even close to being on the line - it's a good yard, it's almost touched the back of the net.
"I told the referee it was in. He said if he's not sure he can't give it. It's his decision but it's clearly well over the line."
Hearts interim manager Gary Locke added: "From where I was, it was difficult to see.
"I've just seen it again and obviously it's in but the referee didn't give it and that's the most important thing.
"It was a great strike and it went over the line and it's one we've got away with so maybe the luck is turning for us now."
