Robertson may face SFA after outburst

SIMON PIA

JOHN Robertson’s first game back at Tynecastle as manager was marred by an outburst against referee John Rowbotham, whom he accused of lying. The Hearts manager admitted that his remarks will likely lead to him appearing before the SFA.

Robertson’s outburst came over the decisive penalty that Rowbotham awarded to Motherwell in the first half, which led to the dismissal of Hearts full back Alan Maybury: "They say the referee doesn’t change a match but unfortunately he did. We had dominated till the penalty. John Rowbotham was 50 yards behind the play yet gave it."

Robertson went on to complain he had not awarded Hearts a second half penalty when Stephen Craigan pushed Mark de Vries.

"He clearly gave decisions against us that were shocking and scandalous. The fourth official even agreed with us. John Rowbotham cheated the fans out of a good game.

"He called me to his room after the game and told me he was going to report me for foul and abusive language.He accused me of calling him an f****** cheat. He lied, and I told him that. I had four or five witnesses in the tunnel that I did not call him a f***** cheat."

While Robertson seemed to be digging himself into more difficult situation repeating asccusations of lying and cheating the fans out of a good game, he may find some respite in comments from the Motherwell manager.

When asked about Rowbotham’s performance, Terry Butcher said: "We were fortunate to get away with one or two decisions that went against Hearts."

Taken from the Scotsman