Hearts in apology to Mackay

HEARTS have apologised to legends Gary Mackay and Donald Ford over last weekend’s incident at Tynecastle which saw the former midfielder banned from making the half-time draw during the Tennent’s Scottish Cup clash with Kilmarnock, writes PAUL KIDDIE.

As we revealed in yesterday’s Evening News, Mackay was barred from the pitch as a result of what the club admitted was a "misunderstanding".

Ford, a guest on the day of the Federation of Hearts Supporters’ Clubs, refused to participate in the draw in protest at the treatment of Mackay.

The Federation demanded the pair receive an apology and today it emerged the Gorgie outfit reacted swiftly in an attempt to draw a line under the incident.

"We actually wrote to the secretary of the Federation of Hearts Supporters’ Clubs on Thursday to apologise for any embarrassment caused to the Federation, Gary or Donald due to a misunderstanding," said Communications Manager Clare Cowan.

"This is a new era for the club and we hope to strengthen links with the Federation and move forward together as a united Hearts family.

Taken from the Scotsman