Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin insists he is “very pleased” with the outcome of the an appeal over his eight-game ban.
The SFA hammered Goodwin with a hefty sanction for accusing Hibs defender Ryan Porteous of “blatant cheating” following a 3-1 loss in September.
In his post-match interview after that Easter Road defeat, Goodwin also said he had spoken to referee David Dickinson before the game about Porteous’ previous conduct.
Goodwin’s initial eight-game ban, with two matches suspended until the end of the season, was reduced by three matches following Monday’s Appellate Tribunal at Hampden.
He will now serve a three-game ban, with a further two suspended.
The Dons boss had already served one game of that ban, having watched a 4-0 loss at Dundee United from the stands.
Goodwin will now be absent from the dugout for the Friday night Pittodrie clash with third-placed Hibs and Tuesday’s trip to Livingston.
Porteous is set to face Aberdeen for the first time since the defeat when Goodwin made his controversial comments.
Goodwin insists it “doesn’t really bother” him if his blatant cheating accusation about Porteous fires up Hibs at Pittodrie.
He said: “I’m very pleased with the overall outcome and glad I’m not going to be missing as many games as was initially feared.
“I have already served one of the suspensions and have two to go.
“So I will be in the stand for the Hibs and Livingston game.”
‘The Hibs reaction to what I said doesn’t really bother me’
Goodwin was charged by the SFA for alleged breaches of disciplinary rules 73 and 77, which cover offensive, improper and/or insulting statements and conduct.
He made the comments after the Easter Road defeat where Porteous pulled down Aberdeen defender Liam Scales.
However, it was Scales who was sent off and Hibs awarded a penalty, which they converted.
The Dons were 1-0 up at the time of the incident, and went on to lose 3-1.
A win for Aberdeen tonight would leapfrog Goodwin’s side above Hibs to third place in the Premiership table.
Asked if his comments could give Hibs an extra incentive, Goodwin said: “I don’t think so.
“I’m more focused on Aberdeen and my players, so what the Hibs reaction is to what I said doesn’t really bother me, to be honest with you.
“I’m just really looking forward to the game.
“Hibs are a point above us in the table after they jumped above us last weekend.
“We would like to try and take that place back.”
Game plan well drilled into players
Goodwin insists the work done with the players prior to kick-off will go some way to negating the impact of his ban.
He has prepared for the Hibs game throughout the week and his players are all well drilled in their roles.
Goodwin said: “The majority of the work, in fact all of the work, quite frankly, is done the day before the game.
“So the game plan for Friday night will be well drilled into the boys.
“They will know exactly what is expected of them, they know their roles and responsibilities.
“So before the game there is not usually a lot for you to say or do.
“We will have our usual analysis meeting at Cormack Park three hours before kick-off before we make our way up to the stadium. Then it is over to the players.
“They get the warm up done then go out and start the game.”
Technology lessens impact of ban
Goodwin also believes modern technology means bans are no longer as problematic.
He can communicate with No.2 Lee Sharp in the dugout throughout the game.
Goodwin can also use video technology to talk to his players at half-time, if needed.
He explained: “At Tannadice, you are miles away from the action and the dugout.
“However, we had good communication throughout the course of the 90 minutes.
“I was mic’d up and had my phone, so there was no excuse in terms of lack of communication.
“It’s at half-time that the suspension probably hits you most.
“That is when you want to be in there with the lads, with the staff, trying to make an impact.
“But, again, we have some very good IT equipment available to us now .
“So I don’t think these suspensions are as impactful as they maybe were 15-20 years ago.
“We’ve got a video link between me and the dressing room if I need to step in and speak to anybody, individually or collectively.
“And I have great staff and whatever needs to be said will be said.”
Confident of ‘positive reaction’
Winger Jonny Hayes is set to be given a fitness test on the day of the Hibs clash.
Callum Roberts and Dante Polvara are both injury absentees.
Aberdeen were left reeling last weekend after a heavy 4-1 defeat away to Rangers.
Goodwin will demand an immediate response to that Ibrox setback.
He said: “I’m confident we will get another positive reaction to what was an extremely disappointing result.
“We have three games now before the break; Hibs, Livingston and Dundee United.
“They are all difficult games in their own respect.
“We will focus on one at a time.
“At Pittodrie we have been excellent in front of our own fans this season.
“There are not many teams out there who have picked up more points at home.
“Hopefully we can get another good performance and plenty of goals for our support to cheer on.”
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