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Hibernian striker Leigh Griffiths thinks referee Craig Thomson played a big part in his side's 5-1 defeat by Hearts in the Scottish Cup final.

Griffiths thought awarding a penalty that led to Hearts taking a 3-1 lead was only one of Euro 2012-bound Thomson's mistakes at Hampden.

"It's a big match and you need big officials and unfortunately Craig Thomson didn't turn up today," he said.

TV replays showed that Pa Kujabi fouled Suso outside the penalty box.

Hibs were also reduced to 10 men for the final 42 minutes as Kujabi was shown a second yellow card before Danny Grainger slotted home the penalty for their Edinburgh neighbours.

"We go in at half-time and say the next goal is crucial and then we come out and, after a minute-and-a-half, the referee gives a stupid penalty," said Griffiths.

"We have been told it was nowhere near in the box.

"So that kind of spoils the game and we are down to 10 men.

"It's backs against the wall and then we lose a goal three minutes later that effectively kills the game off."

Boyhood Hibs fan Griffiths was critical of Suso, saying: "I thought he dived. I'm behind him and I don't think Pa has touched him.

"I kicked the ball against him in the first half and he went down clutching his face. That's the kind of guy he is."

Griffiths admitted that Hearts were the better side overall as they prevented Hibs ending a 110-year wait to lift the Scottish Cup.

But he reserved his biggest criticism for the referee, who was confronted by Hibs players and management at the final whistle.

"People are saying he should have sent Ian Black off for the challenge on me early on - I thought he should at least have got a booking," added the striker who has been on loan from Wolves.

"Five minutes later, Pa Kujabi puts in a fair challenge and he gets booked.

"I don't want to talk about the ref, it's just a bitter blow.

"To lose a cup final is bad but to lose against Hearts, especially 5-1, is a hammer blow to take."