Derek McInnes has expressed his surprise at the decision of the Scottish Football Association’s Fast Track Tribunal to not punish Garry O’Connor for an apparent dive in St Johnstone’s recent fixture with Hibernian.

The Hibs striker went down in the penalty area over Saints defender David McCracken’s foot, with referee Steve Conroy subsequently awarding a penalty kick.

Both McInnes and Hibs’ assistant boss Billy Brown stated their belief O’Connor had conned the referee but the Scottish FA ruled that no simulation had taken place.

“I am surprised at the decision,” said the St Johnstone boss. “I think it was pretty clear, for me and most other people.

“I think it leaves the referees in a difficult position. I think they've tried to get the right procedure to make sure there is clarity and fairness with it.

“But there's a decision to be made at the end of the day, no matter how they do it. The decision was what it was yesterday and I don't agree with it. I felt that at the time and even more so after seeing it.”

McInnes however says he won’t take the matter any further, saying the Scottish FA’s decision has no bearing on his team going forward.

“I felt we were punished on the night,” he said. “I'm surprised at the decision but we move on. It doesn't affect St Johnstone in any way.

“It affected us on the night. It stopped us picking up points, there's no doubt about that.

“We felt aggrieved and I was quite pleased to see a bit of justice would probably get done. But it hasn't and we move on.”