Mixu Paatelainen said Hibs should not have lost the lead

Hibernian manager Mixu Paatelainen expressed disappointment after the 2-1 defeat by Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

"When you go one nil up and then defend like that you create chances for the opposition and it's disappointing," he told BBC Sport.

"We should've defended better at the first goal. The penalty soon after was a very soft one.

"It's disappointing after being in the lead. We must pass the ball better and today was an off day for us."

The defeat saw Hibs miss out on the chance of moving up to third place in the SPL, with Motherwell and Dundee United drawing earlier in the day.

However, Paatelainen said he was confident his side could still earn a Uefa Cup place.

"We still have a chance as we are two points behind Motherwell, which is nothing," he said.

Thierry Gathuessi and Colin Nish were both sent off to compound a miserable day for the Easter Road outfit.

"If players talk to the referee then they are asking for trouble, it's as simple as that," said Paatelainen.

"Both players should know better and every player should know that if you start arguing with the referee then you will lose every time."