Livingston boss David Martindale admitted showing Hibs keeper the middle finger but disputes 'offensive gesture' dismissal

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Livingston boss David Martindale admitted giving Hibs captain David Marshall the middle finger - but pleaded his defence by saying it was in good humour.But referee Chris Graham didn't see the funny side and sent the boss off to cap off a woeful afternoon for the Lions as they went down 4-1 in a clash that also saw Jack Fitzwater sent-off while Ayo Obileye, Stephane Omeonga and Shamal George all picked up injuries.Martindale even said Marshall told him after the game he'd happily submit a statement in his defence should the Lions appeal their gaffer's red card - which came during a VAR check deep in injury-time.Martindale said: "I'm not going to tell any lies.

The Hibs keeper asked how long was to go and I shouted back ‘there’s a minute left’ with my middle finger. He laughed, I laughed and I got sent off for making an offensive gesture."Marshall grabbed me in the tunnel and asked if I got sent-off for that.

I said yes, and he said that if I needed him to say anything to please let him know. I just said there was a minute left (and gestured) and then I was sent-off.

If I was to say f*** you then I think that’s a sending off but come on, is that where were are in football?"Maybe I let the boys down a wee bit today with that.