Hibernian: John McGinn avoids ban as red card is overturned

Hibernian have been successful with an appeal against John McGinn's red card from Saturday's 1-1 draw with Falkirk.

The 21-year-old has therefore avoided a two-game ban and is free to face Queen of the South and Rangers.

The midfielder was sent off late in the first half as he stretched into a challenge with Mark Kerr after losing control of the ball.

The foul was downgraded to a booking by the Scottish FA disciplinary panel assembled to hear the case.

McGinn appeared at Hampden on Thursday morning to give a personal account of the incident.

Hibs manager Alan Stubbs told BBC Scotland: "What we went on was that the referee classed it as serious foul play and we felt that the case we put forward was that John, if you look at the impact, was on the half turn rather than straight on.

"We felt with that it didn't warrant serious foul play. It wasn't a two-footed challenge, he's gone with the leading foot.

"We admit that he did catch him, but there was no malice in it."

The Scotland Under-21 captain has been an influential player for the Easter Road side since his summer move from St Mirren, scoring twice in 19 appearances.

"We've got a number of influential players in the group and I wouldn't class us as a one-man team," added Stubbs.

"But he's a very important individual. I will admit that."

Depleted Hibs scored in stoppage-time to secure a draw at home to Falkirk and that extended their unbeaten run to 16 games to keep them three points behind Championship leaders Rangers.

The top two in the division meet at Ibrox on 28 December, with Hibs at home to Queen of the South this weekend and Rangers away to Falkirk.