OUR FANS ARE NOT RACISTS

HEARTS sporting director Alex Koslovski has apologised for branding Tynecastle fans racist.

But he has produced statistical evidence he claims proves the fans were wrong to boo Lithuanian midfielder Nerijus Barasa.

Koslovski made his controversial remarks against the supporters in the aftermath of Sunday's 1-0 defeat by Rangers at Tynecastle.

Jambos followers booed Lithuanian stars such as Barasa and Saulius Mikoliunas before a ball had even been kicked against their Glasgow rivals.

That prompted interpreter Koslovski to say they were only on the receiving end of verbal abuse because they were eastern European.

He backed down from his remarks yesterday at Riccarton while, three miles along the road at the Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, Vladimir Romanov held summit talks with his coaching staff.

Romanov knows the club desperately needs a period of stability after the upheaval of the past four weeks and Koslovski attempted to play his part in the healing process by saying sorry.

But there was still a sting in the tail ahead of this afternoon's visit to Invernesswhen he claimed, statistically, Barasa was one of the most effective players against Paul Le Guen's side.

Koslovski said: "I apologise for the comments I made last week. I offended some of the feelings of our supporters, which I did not intend.

"I'm saying sorry because high emotions help no one and you always need to be calm and analyse the situation. This is why I'm saying sorry - you should use your brain to analyse questions and answer accordingly.

"However, I would still like to point out one thing to our supporters after analysing the statistics of the most booed player, Barasa.

"He completed 25 passes, made 13 tackles and 16 headers in the game against Rangers, which compared very well with players such as Ibrahim Tall, Christophe Berra and Marius Zaliukas.

"Bruno Aguiar also completed 19 passes so you can see there were similar performances from players of different nationalities.

"The players felt criticism was unfair and I'm glad to express their feelings.

"The players were booed because there was high emotion and frustration at team underachievement."

Even as Koslovski spoke, many of his comments, such as on the future of Evgenijus Riabovas, were being rendered redundant by the pow-wowtaking place atDalmahoy, with Valdas Ivanauskas central to the talk.

Cryptically, Koslovski said he expected to see Romanov very soon when, in fact, the club owner had flown into the capital a few hours earlier with Ivanauskas.

Hearts desperately need a return to normality - or as close as you'll get to it at Tynecastle - and Koslovski admitted recent negative press had taken its toll.

He said: "Recent off-the-field negativity has possibly had a bearing on the on-field results.

"The players are only human and if they are under pressure it will only destabilise the squad. The club is like a family and if everything inside the family is okay we can continue to live together.

"However, if some member of the family is unfaithful or behaves badly it will tear it apart.

"We expect to see Mr Romanov very soon and everyone then has a right to ask him whatever they like.

"It's very important to have discussions between all members of the family as this will help to solve the uncertainties within the club."

Koslovski confirmed Steve Frail will step up to first-team coach after John McGlynn said his goodbyes yesterday and moved to Raith Rovers. He also admitted it was important Eduard Malofeev tasted victory in Inverness after the club's run of games without a win was extended to seven against Rangers, five of which have come under the veteran coach.

Koslovski still refused to confirm if Steven Pressley will take part in the game, although Record Sport understands the skipper will be back in the starting line-up.

Koslovski added: "It's a very important game because we have not won with Malofeev in charge. "Pressley is in the squad of 21 and our best players will be on the pitch. He is still the club captain and we all care about our players. We will analyse the situation and the best performers at this particular time will play at Inverness."

Pressley will also return with the praises of team-mate Marius Zaliukas ringing in his ears for helping him settle at Hearts.

Zaliukas was handed the central defensive berth normally occupied by Pressley against Falkirk and Rangers but there have been no hard feelings.

He said: "Steven and I have not been angry with each other. He has given me great advice. He has been helpful in the past and still is.

"I want to play football for Hearts. I've already learned you have to be quicker and stronger to play in the Scottish game.

"I enjoy playing with Hearts and want to help the team do as well as long as I am here. I have a contract until the end of the season and only our results will show if I stay here longer.

"I've adapted quickly to life in Scotland and have already found new friends. I'm enjoy living in Edinburgh and I'm happy here."

Lithuanian international Zaliukas refused to comment on the civil war that has ripped the club apart.

However, he insists he has never been on the receiving end of criticism from Hearts fans because of his nationality.

He added: "I will have to ask you to ask the fans for their reasons for booing some players last week. All I know is that every player was giving 100 per cent for the team.

"I must say no Hearts fan has ever spoken negatively to me, everyone I've met has been very supportive."

Taken from the Daily Record