Webster is praised as sportsman

PAUL KIDDIE

HEARTS defender Andy Webster was today praised for his sportsmanship after playing down the incident which could have wrecked Dundee star Fabian Caballero’s Tennents Scottish Cup final dream.

The Gorgie defender appeared to be elbowed by the Argentinian 16 minutes from the end of his side’s 1-0 win over Jim Duffy’s outfit at Tynecastle, Mark de Vries’ second-half header confirming the Jambos’ place in Europe next season.

The pair clashed after a tussle on the edge of the Hearts penalty box, Webster being left sprawled on the turf clutching his face.

A number of his team-mates then surrounded the Argentinian, accusing the Dens playmaker of decking the Scotland stopper.

Referee Willie Young didn’t appear to get a clear view of the flashpoint, however, and after Webster had recovered, the official pulled the 21-year-old aside to ask for his interpretation of what had happened.

Most onlookers expected a straight red card for violent conduct which would have seen the inspirational Caballero ruled out of this weekend’s Scottish Cup final against Rangers.

But after the Gorgie star explained that although he had been caught by his opponent, he didn’t think it was deliberate, Young was content to just caution the Dundee attacker, thus meaning the Argentinian will be available for the Hampden Park showpiece.

"It was more of a tangle at the edge of the box and he caught me. These things happen but I don’t think it was intentional," said Webster, who is set to win his second cap for Scotland against New Zealand at Tynecastle tomorrow.

"The ref asked me what had happened. It was the big incident in the game which a lot of folk were talking about but people use their arms all the time in football and it was just one of those things.

"He didn’t get a red card which was good as I wouldn’t want any player to miss an occasion like the Scottish Cup final."

And today Webster was praised by the Dark Blues for speaking up for Caballero.

"Only the referee Willie Young and the two players know what happened," said a Dundee source. "But if Andy spoke up to prevent Fabian getting a red card then I am sure he and Willie will have gained the respect of football fans and their fellow professionals.

"Two often we see the exact opposite of that kind of behaviour and this kind of sportsmanship has to be applauded."

Dens boss Duffy admitted he feared a moment of madness would rob him of the gifted attacker’s services at Hampden.

He said: "Obviously I was worried as I was waiting to see what action the referee took. There was a little ruck and if the referee had deemed it violent conduct then he would have missed the cup final.

"The ref and his assistant assessed it and he only gave the yellow so he’ll be available, but it could have been devastating."

Taken from the Scotsman