CRAIG AXED IN HEARTS ROW

NEW Hearts skipper Craig Gordon was sensationally AXED from the Jambos line-up yesterday - despite the club claiming he was ill.

The Scotland keeper was dumped on the bench by owner Vladimir Romanov as punishment for his part in the "Riccarton Three" statement that criticised his running of the club.

Hearts coach Valdas Ivanauskas insisted Gordon woke up yesterday morning feeling unwell - and that's why he was benched in the 1-0win over Dundee United.

But MailSport understands Gordon was fully fit and angry not to be starting at Tannadice.

Players' union chief Fraser Wishart, who represented Gordon at a disciplinary hearing last week, confirmed there was nothing wrong with him in the build-up to the United game.

And team-mate Robbie Neilson claimed the keeper wasn't unwell. He said: "We only found out Craig wasn't playing at 1pm when Valdas read out the team.

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"It was a big shock to us. Craig didn't look ill. I don't think he was.

"Craig's keeping his cards close to his chest - he's that type of guy and doesn't let much out. It's a sensitive situation. We're in the dark and don't know what's going on.

"But Craig will want to get it sorted this week and we all hope he'll be back for the Hibs game on Tuesday.

"Steve Banks was man of the match against United but Craig is our No.1 and one of the best keepers in Britain if not Europe."

Amazingly Ivanauskas defied his own player AND Wishart by sticking to the club's explanation.

He said: "Craig was not feeling so good in the morning and we decided to give him a rest because the derby game is coming up."

Asked when he knew Gordon would not be able to play Ivanauskas said: "In the morning, after breakfast. I hope he is OK tomorrow."

When quizzed further about the keeper's absence Valdas replied: "I've given you my opinion, do you not have another question?"

Gordon was a picture of health on Friday when he spoke to the press about his delight at being named the club's new skipper just a week ago.

The 23-year-old also took part in a full warm-up yesterday - wearing short sleeves - with deputy Banks.

It seems Gordon is paying the price for being one of the "Riccarton Three" - who have now all been penalised by Romanov.

Eight weeks ago Craig sat with ex-captain Steven Pressley and Paul Hartley to release a statement criticising Romanov's running of the club.

Pressley has since left and Hartley was dropped for last weekend's crucial game against Aberdeen - but was reinstated and scored the winner against the Arabs.

Scotland Under-21 defender Christophe Berra was handed the captain's armband against United.

Taken from the Sunday Mail