O'Neill: Hartson not guilty of elbowing

STEPHEN HALLIDAY

MARTIN O’Neill last night launched a robust defence of John Hartson, insisting the Celtic striker has been vindicated rather than damned by the video footage which Hearts head coach Craig Levein claimed proved the player had elbowed Andy Webster in the face during last Sunday’s tempestuous Premierleague clash at Tynecastle.

The incident was missed by BBC television cameras covering the game live, but Hearts yesterday sent Celtic a copy of their own match analysis video which Levein had shown to the media on Wednesday.

While Levein was in no doubt over Hartson’s guilt, insisting the Welsh international should have been sent off for his actions just two minutes into the game, Celtic manager O’Neill has challenged his counterpart’s interpretation of the tape.

The images, which are inconclusive but appear to vindicate Levein, will not be reviewed by the SFA as its disciplinary procedures do not allow privately-filmed footage to be used as evidence.

O’Neill believes the arm which apparently strikes Webster in the face, causing the defender to slump to the ground, is actually the right arm of the Hearts player as he turns away from Hartson in their off-the-ball tussle which was spotted by linesman Brian McGarry.

Speaking to celticfc.net, O’Neill said: "John Hartson has been accused of elbowing Andy Webster in the face. On the first viewing of the tape, I can see why that looks to be the case.

"However, if you take it frame by frame you will find that the arm supposed to have done the damage and which has been highlighted by national newspapers and national television does not actually belong to John Hartson. Therefore, John is not guilty of elbowing Andy Webster in the face as has been reported.

"The linesman called the referee over immediately because he had spotted something and on the assistant’s advice, he administered a yellow card to John for barging into the player when the ball was out of the play. The linesman has been proved to have called it correctly.

"Much has been said about it but having seen the slow motion of the incident I am happy that John has not elbowed the player in the face. I’m sure it won’t be, but I would like to think that this is the end of the issue."

Instead, it is certain to rumble on with both O’Neill and Levein certain to be pressed for further reaction at their weekly pre-match media briefings today.

The bad feeling between the clubs is a major cause for concern ahead of their next meeting in the fourth round of the Tennent’s Scottish Cup at Tynecastle in just two weeks’ time.

Security will be at a premium for the lunchtime tie, being televised live throughout the United Kingdom on Sky Sports, after the coin-throwing and spitting incidents involving supporters of both clubs during last Sunday’s fixture.

SFA security officer Willie McDougall held talks at Tynecastle yesterday with Hearts safety officer Tom Purdie, Celtic head of operations Ronnie Hawthorn and police representatives as he initiated efforts to ensure the Scottish Cup tie passes off without major incident off the field.

On the pitch, it will require some conciliatory words from both O’Neill and Levein between now and 7 February to ensure order prevails.

Taken from the Scotsman