Hibs Manager David Gray Defends Elie Youan Amid Keepy-Uppy Criticism

Hibs manager David Gray has come to the defense of French forward Elie Youan. Youan faced criticism for performing keepy-uppies on Saturday after his teammate Jordan Obita received a red card during the match against Dundee. Gray’s team ultimately lost the game 4-1. Former Hibs midfielder Marvin Bartley characterized Youan’s actions as “embarrassing” on Premier Sports. However, Gray publicly supported Youan, asserting that he did nothing wrong. Gray stated, “I’d fully understand it if the game was about to go on, or I hadn’t had the information on, or if I’d pulled all the players across and he wasn’t over and he was doing his own thing.” He added, “Then I would understand exactly the magnitude of making the point on it.” He continued, “But I didn’t see it at the time, my information went on very quickly as to what we wanted to do at the red card, especially for the next five minutes, to see what Dundee would do, because of how well we started in the game.” Gray further explained, “So the plan was on very quickly, he knew exactly where he was and he went into position very quickly.” Concluding his remarks, Gray said, “I think a lot’s been made of it, but I think if you actually know him, I don’t think there’s any malice in what he was doing. But I understand why the question would be asked and why Marvin gave his feelings on it.”