Graham Alexander accuses Hibs of 'manhandling' Willie Collum and channels famous Jose Mourinho meme

Fuming Graham Alexander accused Hibs of "manhandling" referee Willie Collum as he felt forced to hold back in his criticism of the official.

Motherwell saw Bevis Mugabi sent off inside the first minute of their Scottish Cup quarter-final, and despite a valiant effort lost the match 2-1.

Alexander has been critical of officials in the past and could have been expected to launch a furious tirade on full time.

Instead though he channeled Jose Mourinho's infamous 'I prefer not to speak' moment and put the focus on Hibs.

Alexander said on BBC Radio Scotland: "I thought the supporters were with us throughout, even when things were conspiring against us.

"I'm devastated for the players because they deserved more today.

"I think it's a tough tackle, I think it's a tough challenge, but I thought the reaction of the opposition, manhandling the referee, didn't help the situation

"I think it didn't help the situation and there's no warning, there's no... it is what it is.

"I keep getting asked the same questions and I have to give answers which I get in bother for so other people will have to talk about it because it's a difficult situation for us all."

Hibs felt Jordan Roberts could have also seen red just minutes later for a similar challenge, but the Motherwell boss insists he has no recollection of that tackle.

Alexander retorted: "I can't remember the tackle. I can remember their goalkeeper elbowing Ricky Lamie in the stomach. I can remember the striker's arm in Ricky Lamie's face. I can remember those times."

The frustration from the former Scotland international was clear, and he was asked if he'd discussed the incidents with Collum.

He responded: "No. When? I can't.

"I'm trying to control what we can control,