Lee Johnson has opened up on the Hearts vs Hibs end of season rammy as he admitted: 'I didn't actually do a lot'.
The Easter Road gaffer avoided an SFA ban for his part in the chaotic scenes that brought an end to the Scottish Premiership campaign. The Jambos secured Europa Conference League football on the day after a 1-1 draw, with the Hibees landing their spot a week later following their fifth place finish coupled up with Celtic's Scottish Cup win.
A lot was on the line in the capital and the full-time scenes sparked a melee. Johnson appeared to aim a dig in the ribs at Steven Naismith before it sparked a full-on ruck with players and staff from both sides. Rocky Bushiri has been hit with a two game part for his role in the ugly on-field scenes. Asked about the outcome at Hibs training camp in Marbella, he said via the Daily Record: “Listen, I didn’t want to be banned and I didn’t want Rocky to be banned.
READ MORE: Hibs injury update from Marbella as Joe Newell and Lewis Miller to miss remainder of training camp
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“Looking back they weren’t nice scenes but it never felt it was in danger of getting really aggressive. It’s a passionate league. There was a crescendo and it’s two clubs who are fierce rivals.
“Part of me thinks it gives you guys entertainment but at the same time as a club we want to act with as much class as possible. But inevitably things get heated, particularly in those derbies.
“I didn’t actually do a lot, if I’m honest, if you watch it back. I’d say I started it in terms of between myself and the Hearts manager we started it.
“But there was nothing really to it. It was the fact everyone else jumped in. I think it was probably everyone’s frustration or relief at the season ending. I can’t speak for every individual being involved in being a peacemaker but there were a lot more peacemakers than aggressors.”
