Yogi bearing up well despite manner of Bairns' defeat by Hearts

HIS players were clearly incensed at what they saw as unacceptable levels of gamesmanship by the Hearts players during Saturday's defeat but Falkirk manager John Hughes maintained a diplomatic stance, writes ALAN FAIRLEY.

"It was a hard game for the referee," said Yogi, "but at Falkirk we try to go about our business in a professional manner and try to play football the way it should be played. We said we'd have a go at Hearts and that's what we did but in the end we beat ourselves, especially in the way we lost the second goal. That's been the story of our season but we win or lose as a team ."

Hughes was gracious in his praise of the managerless Hearts side but the former Hibee clearly couldn't resist a gentle dig in the direction of the Gorgie men at the end of what was a frantic 90 minutes.

"You have to give Hearts credit for the win after what they've been through this week," he said "they lost their captain at half-time but they still dug out a victory. I just wish we could do that.

"There were times during the game, however, when I had to tell the fourth official that, when a player hits the deck, it isn't always a free kick."

Taken from the Scotsman