GOUGH CLAIMS DECISIONS SUNK LIVI

Livingston manager Richard Gough blamed the officials for his side's 3-1 defeat against Hearts at Tynecastle.

Hearts have had several public rants at refereeing decisions this season, most recently having a request for an inquiry into their defeat against Rangers rejected by the Scottish Football Association.

But it was Gough's turn on Saturday as he claimed decisions that went in favour of the Jambos settled the match.

"I thought we played really well but you can't legislate for certain things," groaned Gough. "I would probably get into trouble if I say too much about that.

"Silly free-kicks went against us that I didn't think were free-kicks and that led to two goals so we didn't really get beat by Hearts.

"All I want is a fair crack of the whip and I don't think we got that today.

"We dominated for long spells and I said to the players after the game that if they show that same spirit in the last eight games then I'll be happy.

"But you need good fortune to win games and we had no good fortune at all today."

Gough and his opposite number John Robertson were deep in conversation at one point during the game and Gough joked that the chat was about a common interest.

He added: "We just had a wee chat, just normal stuff about the officials really!"

Lee Miller grabbed the opener for Hearts and that was cancelled out by Jason Dair as Livi tried in vain to impose themselves on the game, knowing that Bank of Scotland Premier League bottom side - and nearest rivals - Dundee United had lost to Celtic earlier in the day.

But goals from Mark Burchill and Robbie Neilson killed off any hope they had of taking anything from the game and Robertson insisted the outcome had nothing to do with poor refereeing this time.

He said: "We can all get upset at a few decisions but I don't think Livingston's were really goal-threatening.

"They were denied a stone-wall corner but it's the ones which cost you goals which annoy you."

On-loan Bristol City striker Miller once again produced a star show for Hearts and Robertson claimed he was confident the player would soon be a permanent member of his squad - despite Bristol demanding more cash.

He said: "Lee has been terrific for us. We had a chance to get him for between £75,000 and £100,000 at the start, that was the deal, but the board were reluctant to commit without seeing much of him and now Bristol have upped the ante.

"But we are still confident that Lee will be with us for a few seasons to come."

Taken from sportinglife.com