SFA Seek Answers from Robertson

By Chris Roberts, PA Sport

The Scottish Football Association have asked Hearts head coach John Robertson to explain his comments on referee John Rowbotham after his side’s 2-2 Tennent’s Scottish Cup draw with Kilmarnock.

Robertson called the same official a “liar” and a “cheat” after a defeat to Motherwell earlier in the season and criticised the decisions which led to both Killie goals at Tynecastle on Saturday.

An SFA spokesman said: “We will be writing to John Robertson to explain his conduct.”

Robertson complained that Colin Nish was allowed to return to the pitch unseen for Killie’s first and that their second – from 18-year-old Steven Naismith – followed what he felt was an incorrect offside decision against Mark Burchill.

He said after the match: “It was a sore one because we lost the game so late and again it was a bizarre refereeing decision which cost us.

“Their player is off getting treatment and is allowed to come on on the blind side of everyone else.

“No-one knows he is on and he is allowed to run 30 yards to score – it’s bizarre to say the least.

He added: “Everyone in the ground can see that Mark Burchill is not offside and the decision cost us.

“They score straight from the free-kick and it’s not just me, 8,000 people in the stands can see that Mark Burchill is not offside.

“It’s pointless at times going on about it but they just make up these decisions.”

The replay will now take place next Wednesday at Rugby Park, but Hearts player Stephen Simmons refuses to concede that Kilmarnock will be favourites to make the fifth round.

“I would not say so,” he said.

“I think we can win anywhere, as long as we perform.

“We are a good enough side and hopefully we’ll go down there and get a good result.”

Simmons is set to sign a new one-year contract with a view to a further one-year extension depending on appearances.

“I have been speaking about it to the gaffer and my agent and we are coming to the end of it, so I am happy with that,” he added.

“I think my fitness has come on really well, and my ankle is looking very well.

“I just need as many games as possible to build up my confidence now. It is good that the gaffer wants to keep me.

“I was not really sure what was going to happen at the end of the season, because of my injury, having not played a lot, and a new gaffer coming in, but he has really given me confidence and hopefully I can do well for him now.”

Taken from the Scotsman