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MIXU NOT INTERESTED IN PEACE SUMMIT

MIXU NOT INTERESTED IN PEACE SUMMIT

Paatelainen - no plans for SFA talks.

Hibernian manager Mixu Paatelainen has no plans to follow former team-mate John Hughes in holding clear-the-air talks with the Scottish Football Association.

Paatelainen was furious with referee Iain Brines' handling of Tuesday night's 4-3 Co-operative Insurance Cup defeat to Morton, insisting the official's display altered the outcome of the second-round tie.

The SPL side were leading 3-2 in extra-time at Easter Road when Brines awarded the visitors a controversial penalty, accusing Dean Shiels of handball when video evidence appeared to show the ball striking the midfielder's side.

With Iain Russell equalising from the spot, the home side's ire was raised yet again when Ryan Harding's winner was scored from a free-kick they felt should have been awarded to them.

Paatelainen was then sent to the stand for his reaction and could be facing a four-match touchline ban.

Despite Falkirk boss and former Hibs colleague Hughes meeting with the SFA's head of referee development Donald McVicar yesterday after a public spat between the pair, Paatelainen only wants to look forward.

He said: "I don't want to talk too much about Tuesday night but I've done nothing wrong, so why ban me?

"I've not spoken to anybody about it and I've got no plans to talk to anybody.

"The referees have their own way of dealing with things, they will analyse the game and draw their own conclusions. It's not my job to talk to people and try and correct things or whatever. We'll get on with our job.

"It was impossible to stay quiet because it affected the result so strongly.

"I have no desire to criticise referees or anybody, I would never do that. I'm only stating my opinion and I am entitled to do that."

Aside from the refereeing controversy, Paatelainen - who refused to confirm or deny his reported interest in a loan move for out-of-favour Celtic striker Derek Riordan - insists he was content with his team's display on Tuesday.

He added: "The players have seen the match as well and there's no problem at all. We keep it going, it's as simple as that. If we create as many chances on Saturday, I'll be pleased."