Foulkes says sorry for match mayhem

Paul Kiddie

CHAIRMAN George Foulkes today apologised "unconditionally" for the mayhem which marred the end of Hearts’ dramatic 2-1 defeat by Rangers at Tynecastle.

Midfield star Saulius Mikoliunas was sent off for barging assistant referee Andy Davis after he awarded an injury-time penalty which Fernando Ricksen converted to steal victory for the home side.

Coins and other missiles were hurled at referee Hugh Dallas and his assistants at the end of an astonishing game, which also saw the visitors’ Dado Prso sent off in the closing minutes.

Hearts and Mikoliunas are now set to write to the SPL, Dallas and Davis expressing their sorrow at what happened.

"On behalf of the club, I as chairman wish to apologise sincerely and unconditionally to the officials at last night’s match for any incident which may have caused them alarm or distress," said Foulkes.

"While I understand the fans’ frustrations at what appeared to be an unfair decision, there is never any excuse for threats or intimidation or any action which could cause danger."

Davis adjudged that Lee Miller had fouled Sotirios Kyrgiakos in the area in an incident unnoticed by Scotland’s top whistler Dallas, his decision sparking unprecedented scenes of fury among the home players and supporters.

Police today confirmed that there had been three arrests, one for coin-throwing.

Should Dallas, as seems likely, include the incidents in his report, the Gorgie outfit will be in deep trouble with the authorities.

Foulkes was as frustrated as the club’s fans with the manner of the Jambos’ defeat but labelled Mikoliunas’ behaviour as unacceptable.

"He is an exceptional young man who is making his way in a new career in a new country and he has made a terrific impact on the footballing staff at the club," he said.

"However, his actions and the manner of his approach to Mr Davis - whilst totally out of character - were also totally unacceptable to the club.

"The club believes that whilst there was intent on behalf of the player to confront Mr Davis, he allowed himself to be caught up in the emotion of the occasion and his momentum caused him to make contact with the official."

The final few seconds of last night’s titanic struggle could have serious ramifications for Hearts, both on and off the field. Boss John Robertson revealed afterwards that Dallas informed him he would be reporting Mikoliunas for "two incidents", the Gorgie manager indicating the player will be hit by a second red card for swearing at the referee. Robertson acknowledged his playmaker, who has been so impressive since his arrival from Kaunas in January, had to walk after confronting Davis.

However, the Gorgie boss was quick to ask what had made the 20-year-old erupt in such a fashion.

"People have got to take into account why he was incensed, why 12,000 Hearts fans were incensed. He is a young lad and I feel there are mitigating circumstances," he said. "We had worked our socks off for 90 minutes and were left incensed about a decision which will be shown to be very harsh."

To rub salt into already gaping wounds, it emerged today that midfielder Paul Hartley will also be hit with a ban after last night’s clash.

The Jambos top scorer was booked in the 90th minute for a challenge on Gregory Vignal, the caution taking him through the suspension threshold. He will now be suspended for two league games - the home match against Inverness on March 19 and the Parkhead showdown against Celtic on Saturday, April 2.

Taken from the Scotsman