VALDAS DISPUTES HARTLEY DISMISSAL

By Gavin McCafferty, PA Sport

Hearts head coach Valdas Ivanauskas believes the dismissal of stand-in captain Paul Hartley in the 2-2 Bank of Scotland Premier League draw at St Mirren was unwarranted.

The Scotland international took the captaincy from Steven Pressley after the defender's continuing dispute with the Tynecastle hierarchy.

But, after picking up a 25th-minute caution for a foul on Saints midfielder Hugh Murray, Hartley saw red 15 minutes before the end for a challenge on the same player.

However, Ivanauskas, who took charge of the team for the first time in six weeks after sick leave, insists referee Charlie Richmond was wrong to brandish a card for the second challenge.

He said: "It was not easy for him because he was very angry and had a lot of energy.

"I think the second foul was a normal football foul but it is the referee's decision."

Saulius Mikoliunas gave the Jambos the lead after just 14 seconds but two goals from Love Street forward Stewart Kean turned the game around.

However, Hearts substitute Marius Zaliukas headed Hearts level six minutes after the break.

But the result leaves the Jambos on the end of a nine-game winless streak.

Ivanauskas added: "The players are professional and our job was okay, but we need a win.

"I think we deserved three points. I can't remember the last time we scored two goals. I was happy with the performance and the team spirit."

Hartley handed the armband to Robbie Neilson after his red card after Craig Gordon had turned it down.

The Scotland keeper later told club officials his rejection was influenced by his desire for the captaincy to switch to the more experienced Neilson.

Ivanauskas also confirmed Christophe Berra, 21, had been substituted for tactical reasons midway through the first half after Kean's second goal.

He said: "He is a young boy. He plays from the start of the season and pre-season.

"He makes mistakes, but it is not a decision about Christophe Berra. It is a decision about the team."

But St Mirren boss Gus MacPherson applauded his side for battling back from a disastrous opening.

He said: "To lose a goal in 20 seconds and react the way we did was absolutely brilliant.

"Some of our stuff was fantastic. Some of the saves Craig Gordon made were fantastic and I thought it wasn't going to be our day.

"But we kept creating chances and Stewart Kean put them away well."

He revealed Kean had suffered a thigh injury in scoring the second goal and his replacement Billy Mehmet had later come off with a back problem.

Taken from sportinglife.com