Riordan ponders options after fine

Derek Riordan will consider taking his case to the SPL if Hibs reject his appeal against a fine for criticising the club's pitch. Hibs docked the striker a week's wages after he described the Easter Road playing surface as a "bog" prior to last month's SPL win over Kilmarnock.It is believed the club have exploited a clause in the 27-year-old's contract, which requires him to represent the club in a positive manner.Riordan has appealed the decision and has enlisted PFA Scotland to help fight his cause.It is thought Hibs fear negative comments about their pitch could ultimately lead to the Scottish Premier League warning or even fining the club over its condition.Riordan's team-mate Abdessalam Benjelloun was even more scathing about the surface after the Kilmarnock game but he reportedly escaped with a suspended fine.If true, it is possible Riordan's previous conduct was taken into account when his punishment was arrived at.Should he lose his appeal, he would then decide whether it was worth taking the matter to the SPL.

Source: Team_Talk