Boyd was booked for leading with his arm on Zemmama

Merouane Zemmama insists Kris Boyd deliberately elbowed him in the face and was fortunate to avoid a sending off for the incident.

The Hibs midfielder was floored by the Rangers striker late in the first half at Ibrox as the home team won 3-0.

"In Scotland it was a yellow card but in other countries it would have been a red," said the Moroccan international.

"Boyd didn't look for the ball, only for my face and body. It was a bad challenge which was disappointing."

Referee Steve Conroy cautioned Boyd for obstruction rather than dangerous play, leaving the forward one disciplinary point shy of a suspension.

"Boyd was booked but the crowd booed me when I held my face," added Zemmama.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Is Zemmama right to feel hard done by?

"He hit me with his elbow in the face and I lay down. The supporters thought I was cheating but he caught me.

"The referee was right to book him. In the UK that kind of challenge is normal and only ever gets a yellow.

"The referee gave it for obstruction which surprised me.

"I told him (Boyd) at half-time he should go for the ball and not my face but he said nothing to me."

Boyd netted Rangers' second goal from the penalty spot and Zemmama cast doubt on the validity of the decision to award the spot kick.

Kenny Miller tumbled when there appeared to be little contact with Hibs defender Sol Bamba.

"I don't think it was a penalty," explained Zemmama.

"Miller went down far too easily. For me, it shouldn't have been given but the referee made his decision and we had to accept it."

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