The Hibs boss said his players lacked luck against their Edinburgh rivals but some fans thought the team just didn’t perform well.
Hibernian will end 2018 in eighth place in the Scottish Premiership table after Hearts secured local bragging rights in Edinburgh on Saturday afternoon.
Neil Lennon’s side fell to a 1-0 loss against the Jambos at Easter Road, with Olly Lee’s skilful finish on the turn putting the visitors ahead in the 28th minute.
Although Hibs twice hit the woodwork, Oli Shaw striking the top of the crossbar and Steven Whittaker seeing an effort come off against the upright, they couldn’t find an equaliser.
The final whistle meant Hearts became the first away side to win an Edinburgh derby in 15 attempts – since April 2014 – and pulled them seven points clear of their city rivals, as reported by BBC Sport.
Speaking to the official club reporters after the game, Lennon thought his charges were unlucky to lose, adding: “I’m not going to criticise the players for that performance… it was just a bit of luck we lacked on the night.”
Some Hibs fans didn’t agree with their manager’s comments, however, and took to Twitter to criticise him and his side for their display and the negative result, although there were also more optimistic comments:
With Scottish football now on its winter break, Hibs do not play again until January 19 when they host Elgin City in the Scottish Cup, while their next Scottish Premiership game is away at Motherwell on January 23.
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