Hibs had a goal disallowed for offside by VAR then fell behind….

• Hibs had a goal disallowed for offside by VAR then fell behind just three minutes after Aberdeen defender Jack MacKenzie was sent off.

Joe Newell abruptly shifted his attention to league matters after Hibernian’s heartbreaking defeat to Aberdeen in their Viaplay Cup semifinal on Saturday.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who was captain at Hampden Park in lieu of club captain Paul Hanlon, saw Hibs attacker Martin Boyle score the game’s first goal after 49 minutes, but VAR eventually ruled the attempt out for offside following a thorough investigation.

Given that Hibs were the superior team, Aberdeen’s situation appeared dire when, in the 75th minute, referee John Beaton dismissed defender Jack MacKenzie for a second yellow card after he foolishly shoved Lewis Miller.

But three minutes later, Bojan Miovski scored his tenth goal of the year to secure a spot in the championship game on December 17.

On Wednesday night, Hibs will make their Premiership comeback when they visit third-placed St Mirren in Paisley and then host Kilmarnock at home.

“Really hurting,” Newell exclaimed. It’s quite difficult to take, as you may understand.

“I felt we were the superior team because we executed the game plan incredibly effectively and set ourselves up tactically.

I haven’t looked back at first, but I believe we can perform better when they send a guy out.

It kind of got in the way of us, which isn’t right. That was how I felt at first. Up until then, I felt like we were in charge of the game.

“I felt we were the superior team, even after the offside upset. We got a decent few opportunities, we answered extremely well, and I thought we had the momentum. That further compounds the disappointment.

“Everyone in the dressing room is hurt, but we will give ourselves a day to recover before focusing entirely on the league.” There isn’t an alternative.

“Two huge games are coming up, so the focus is on that.

“The boys’ integrity and will to go to St. Mirren on Wednesday and succeed are undeniable.

“It’s going to be extremely difficult; it’s one of the hardest games this season.” By beginning the season in that manner, they have demonstrated that.

“We will be fully focused and prepared for this semi-final game on Wednesday night, definitely. We have played them twice already, so we will know everything there is to know about them. There won’t be any excuses.”