Hearts & Hibs draw
PA

Hearts head coach John Robertson and his Hibernian counterpart Tony Mowbray disputed a controversial last man incident involving Jambos midfielder Paul Hartley and Hibs defender David Murphy during the 1-1 Scottish Premier League derby draw at Easter Road.

Hibernian were ahead through a Derek Riordan first-half strike when, just after the interval, Gorgie playmaker Phil Stamp sent Hartley clean though on goal.

The Scotland Future player went to ground after what appeared to be a trip by Murphy at the edge of the Hibs penalty area.

Referee Dougie McDonald waved play on, to the anger of the visiting players, although their mood was soon altered when Hartley grabbed the equaliser.

But Robertson questioned the referee's interpretation of the incident.

"I don't know what it is at the moment but we're not getting the breaks from referees," said the Hearts boss.

"We asked Dougie about it and he said the ball was behind Paul and the covering defender was getting to him and he thought any contact was accidental.

"But when we saw it on the television, the ball was two yards in front of Paul and there is no defender going to get to him and there is a clip.

"So, as I say, we just don't seem to be getting the breaks, but there is no point in moaning."

Hartley added: "I watched the replay on television and it was blatant.

"I was clean through on goal and Murphy came across me and took the back of my legs away. I can't believe Dougie McDonald has not seen the incident and if he thought I was diving he should have booked me.

"I said to him it was stone-waller and that Murphy was the last man but I can't remember what he said back to me, I was so mad.

"I don't want to see players get sent off but it gives us the advantage and we've got to try and get the breaks if we can. But thankfully we got back in the game."

However, Mowbray had his own view and said: "Most importantly the referee saw it and made his decision and that's all that matters.

"Having seen it on the television Murphy never broke his stride, didn't have to and referees make calls so it's end of story.

"There wasn't anything in it because the referee said there wasn't anything in it.

"Sometimes you disagree but that's football. We all get frustrated by officials but you've got live by decisions so, unfortunately for Mr Hartley, he's got to live with that decision."

In a game in which both sides had spells of pressure, Hibs had several great chances near the end to wrap up the points, a fact not missed by Mowbray.

He said: "We haven't spurned as many chances in 10 games put together.

"They weren't half chances, they were clear-cut chances and on another day one of them goes in and we win the match. But it wasn't to be."

Taken from sportinglife.com