Say sorry to Gary

Paul Kiddie

OUTRAGED Hearts fans today demanded an apology from the club after Gary Mackay was banned from making the half-time draw during Saturday’s Tennent’s Scottish Cup tie against Kilmarnock.

Chairman George Foulkes had given the go-ahead for the midfield legend to make the draw on the pitch along with Gorgie great Donald Ford.

However, the pair were denied access to the players’ tunnel by security men, who claimed the Match Commander, Chief Inspector Brian Muir of Lothian and Borders Police, had instructed Mackay be barred from the park in the interests of public safety.

Representatives of the Federation of Hearts Supporters’ Clubs, who had invited Ford to be their guest for the day in the Executive Suite, have since had assurances from the police that it was not their decision to bar Mackay, an honorary life vice-president of the Federation. "The club should be doing all that is possible to encourage former players back to Tynecastle," said John Borthwick, secretary of the Federation.

"Sadly on this occasion, as on previous occasions with Gary, the club has badly let down two legends and at the very least both are due an apology."

Mackay, a prominent figure in the Save Our Hearts campaign, has been involved in a running feud with former chief executive Chris Robinson over his stewardship of the club and last year found himself banned from making any half-time appearances as a result of his outspoken protests. However, despite Robinson having been bought out by Lithuanian millionaire Vladimir Romanov prior to the weekend cup tie, Mackay’s presence during the interval was still not welcomed.

"For the last three seasons we have hosted hospitality on match days at Tynecastle and have had the pleasure of welcoming back many former players who have been associated with the club over the years," said Borthwick.

"However, there have been occasions in the past when club representatives have stated that the Match Commander, in the interests of public order, has advised them that GaryMackay would not be allowed on the pitch at half time.

"The club chairman was advised personally of Saturday’s guests and said that there would be no problem allowing Gary and Donald Ford on to the pitch at half time and instructed a member of staff that if there were any issues, to contact him direct. However, I was informed by a member of staff prior to kick-off that instructions from the Match Commander regarding the situation were as before.

"At half time, two security officials also advised me that Gary would not be allowed to take part in the half-time draw, again, citing the Match Commander’s instructions."

He added: "However, the Match Commander has since confirmed that while he was advised of the guests, as I believe is standard practice, at no time did he make any statement or issue any instructions to this effect.

"Someone from within Tynecastle therefore made this decision, and have had their own motives for doing so."

Hearts today confirmed that Mackay had been banned from the pitch against Kilmarnock but put the incident down to a "misunderstanding."

Taken from the Scotsman