Willie Miller encourages Jim Goodwin 'to explain himself' after Ryan Porteous cheat comments

Willie Miller has urged Jim Goodwin to make his case to the Scottish FA with the Aberdeen boss set for a disciplinary hearing on October 6 over comments calling Hibs defender Ryan Porteous a "cheat."

The Dons lost their Scottish Premiership clash with the Leith club prior to the international break with Liam Scales' sending off for a tussle with Porteous a key talking point, especially because it also resulted in a penalty right on the stroke of half-time. And despite recognising Goodwin believed strongly in his views after the match, Miller insists it's no surprise the Irishman is being asked to explain himself to the footballing authorities.

He wrote in his Press and Journal column: "Aberdeen boss Goodwin should take the opportunity to put his case forward to the SFA. He felt strongly enough about what happened in the incident where Hibs were awarded a penalty and Scales was sent off to voice his opinion.

"He has every right to do that as he is a manager of a top club. My take on it is that I don’t think it was the right thing to say. And that is the case with any manager.

"I also said it about Hearts’ boss Robbie Neilson when he made a comment about Lewis Ferguson. I don’t think it is the place of a manager to publicly brand a player from another team a cheat.

"If it happened to an Aberdeen player, then I’m sure Goodwin wouldn’t be happy about it. Goodwin will get the opportunity to put his case forward to the SFA on October 6.

"I’m not surprised he has been asked to explain his comments – his words were strong and I expected the SFA to ask for an explanation. Now it is up to the Aberdeen manager to explain himself."

Aberdeen host Kilmarnock at Pittodrie on Saturday looking to return to winning ways.

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