In a statement, Hibernians FC announced that the club has sent a letter of official protest to UEFA following “the unacceptable behaviour of the refereeing team in last Thursday’s match against FC Riga.”

The club has asked for an official investigation into the incidents that characterised the match.

“Whilst we know that this will not overturn the result we remain adamant that justice with Hibernians FC is done.”

The match was marred by a series of controversial decisions by the Irish refereeing team led by referee Rob Hennessy.

After winning the first leg 1-0 away from home, Hibs needed a positive result to make it to the play-off round of the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Riga FC were awarded a penalty after just two minutes and when the score was 1-1, a goal by Jurgen Degabriele was disallowed by the referee for a dubious offside position. The referee awarded seven minutes of added time and Riga managed to go 2-1 ahead six minutes in added time to force extra-time.

The Latvians scored twice in extra-time to qualify for the next round.