Gordon fury at Hartson

PAUL KIDDIE

HEARTS star Craig Gordon today insisted that Celtic striker John Hartson should have been sent off after clashing with Andy Webster at Tynecastle, the keeper claiming the Welshman elbowed his team-mate off the ball during the Jambos’ 1-0 defeat.

The Scotland defender was left clutching his face after the incident with the Hoops front man after just two minutes of yesterday’s fiery league meeting in the Capital.

Referee Kenny Clark missed the flashpoint but was happy just to caution Hartson after taking advice from assistant Brian McGarry, a decision which infuriated the home side.

Gordon had a clear view of the incident and charged up the park to complain to the Parkhead star as Webster got back to his feet somewhat unsteadily.

"I think I was the only person in the ground who saw it," said Gordon.

"John Hartson elbowed Andy Webster in the head and he was lucky to stay on the park. He even said to Andy after it that he thought he was walking.

"John Hartson knows himself he was a fortunate man to stay on the park.

"It was a strange decision by the referee. If a player is seen to raise his hands it isn’t normally a booking. Either nothing happens or it is a straight red. It was strange but something you come up against I suppose when facing the Old Firm.

"It could well have changed the game because even with 11 against 11 I thought we dominated in stages and played some really good football."

Hearts boss Craig Levein was left disappointed at eventually taking nothing from a game in which his players performed so well.

He said: "I am disappointed as you would imagine but I’m pleased with the way we played and the lack of respect we showed Celtic.

"It is important that we go into games like this believing we can win and that they are our equals."

The SFA today indicated that the Gorgie outfit would escape punishment following the two coin-throwing incidents which marred yesterday’s game.

Celtic keeper Rab Douglas was struck on the head by a coin thrown from Section N of the Main Stand early in the match while another missile narrowly missed Chris Sutton in the second half.

The club have vowed to ban for life those responsible and the SFA has recognised the incidents occurred in spite of added security measures in the ground.

"We fully support Hearts’ attempts to root out the individuals concerned and hope they are able to identify the people," said spokesman Andy Mitchell.

"We will wait for the referee’s report from the match and contact Hearts for their views on the situation. Clubs have to show they have taken every step possible in terms of security to prevent such incidents happening and Hearts’ efforts on these matters are well recognised."

One man was detained in connection with the incident and police inquiries are continuing.

A total of 28 supporters were thrown out of the ground during the match - 16 by the police and the rest by stewards.

Hearts head of security Tom Purdie said: "The club always take action and, if a person is found guilty, their season ticket will be withdrawn."

Taken from the Scotsman