There were a lot of subplots to Celtic’s win over Hibernian on Sunday at Easter Road.
From Martin O’Neill’s side boosting their title chances, the home fans seemingly not wanting to help out Hearts, Kelechi Iheanacho scoring another winner, and VAR controversy.
But one moment fans may have missed is Ian Crocker reporting that Hibernian will be ‘reported’ for delaying the second half.
Of course, Hibs had a man sent off after 20 minutes, but David Gray’s men still went into the break level with the champions of Scotland.
Consequently, Hibs made a double switch at the break, but their late emergence for the second half is now highly likely to result in a fine from the SPFL.
Who was your Celtic MOTM vs Hibs??
Hibernian arrive late for the second half against Celtic
Ian Crocker, who is Sky Sports’ lead commentator for Scottish football, was alongside former Celtic striker Chris Sutton at Easter Road.
And as the second half kicked off, he shared that Hibs will now be ‘reported’ to the powers that be for coming out ‘so late.’
Crocker, who is a West Ham United supporter, added that ‘Celtic were out for a good few minutes’ before their opponents arrived, as he told Sky Sports Football (03/05/26).
“The feeling of deja vu for Hibs, who are down to ten men,” said Crocker. “Four red cards in three matches now.
“Hibs are going to be reported for coming out so late for the second half here. Celtic were out for a good few minutes before they turned up.”
How much will Hibs be fined?
In the English Premier League, and for the 2024/25 season, Manchester City were fined ‘£1m’ for repeatedly delaying kick-offs, as reported by BBC Sport.
Thankfully, from Hibs’ perspective, the rules in Scotland aren’t so draconian, and it’s even a pinch of salt for Premiership teams.
Rule G11 of the SPFL rulebook states the following:
‘All kick-offs must adhere to the time fixed by the Board. Clubs and Referees must
report any delays to the Board. Any Club causing a kick-off to be delayed by 15
minutes or more from the time advertised without sufficient reason (as determined
by the Board in its absolute discretion) will be liable to a fine of up to a maximum of
£5,000 for a first offence, and for a second or subsequent offence occurring within
Two years of the first offence shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of
Section G of these Rules.’
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