David Martindale escapes SFA punishment after giving Hibs keeper David Marshall 'foolish' middle finger

David Martindale will not face a ban from the touchline after being sent off in the dying minutes of Livingston's loss to Hibernian on Saturday.

The Livingston manager saw red and says he has taken 'full responsibility' for his actions. He was initially angered at being sent to the stand for 'jokingly' flashing his middle finger and saying 'one minute' when Hibs goalkeeper David Marshall shouted over to the sidelines to ask how long was left in the match. Martindale said he was willing to accept any punishment that came his way after Lee Johnson's side ran out 4-1 winners at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

Compliance Officer Martin Black is believed to have contacted the West Lothian club following the dismissal to say he noted the offence but no action would be taken against Martindale. The Livi gaffer will be allowed to be in the dugout for Dundee United's trip to the central belt on Wednesday evening.

Following his press conference today, Martindale issued an apology over the Hibernian incident.

He said: “I want to put on record my disappointed at my own behaviour from the weekend. I need to remember that my behaviour has an impression on supporters and I am the one who sets the standards here at the club.

“It was a light hearted joke with David Marshall at the time, but I can see that it can be construed otherwise without being privy to the context of the words used with the gesture. I offer my genuine apologies to anyone I offended with the gesture – and with the benefit of hindsight, I can see how foolish it was.”

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