TITLE NOT DECIDED YET - McMANUS

Hearts were unhappy with referee Iain Brines' controversial decision to send off defender Takis Fyssas during the 3-2 defeat by Celtic in a Bank of Scotland Premier League clash at Tynecastle.

The Gorgie side took a two-goal first half lead through Edgaras Jankauskas and Steven Pressley, but after the interval Hoops substitute Stephen Pearson, on for the injured Stilian Petrov, pulled a goal back for the visitors.

Brines then sent the Greek defender off for a challenge on Celtic striker Shaun Maloney as the referee judged him to be the last defender.

The incident was comparable to Bobo Balde's first-half foul on Jambos midfielder Deivivas Cesnauskis which only earned the Parkhead defender a yellow card.

With 10-man Hearts struggling to stem the green and white tide, Celtic defender Stephen McManus eventually forced an 88th-minute equaliser before scoring the winner right at the death to put the league leaders seven points clear at the top of the table.

Hearts head coach Graham Rix said: "I've spoken to the SPL delegate and that's all I'm saying. I don't get paid enough to get into bother and have to pay a fine.

"I've seen it in slow motion and I think it was harsh. I'm not sure there was any contact, I'm not sure he was going to score but I think the ball was going out for a goal kick.

"I know it's hard for referees because they have to make instant decisions but there was a similar situation in the first half with Balde which was more central and he only got a yellow card."

Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon insists the Jambos players harboured similar thoughts to their boss.

He said: "I can't think of the last time I was so disappointed after a game. Yes, of course, there is a sense of injustice about the result. When something like that happens it's very hard to take.

"I think everybody presumed it was going to be yellow and we would just get back on with the game.

"I was going for the ball and the referee pulled out a red card which was slightly bemusing.

"The boys are asking what is the difference between Takis' challenge and Balde's challenge in the first half that he got a yellow for? That's what the players are upset about most.

"It's easy to use the referee as a scapegoat and we should have done better with 10 men but it's very hard to take."

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan admits his side benefited from the controversial refereeing decision.

He said: "I've not seen it on the telly but I've spoken to Graham (Rix) and it might be that we were the lucky team in term of decisions.

"Some days you are not the lucky team so we used that bit of luck and turned it to our advantage."

McManus claimed he was an unlikely hero and said: "I think that is the first time I scored two goals in a game at senior level. I certainly never expected to score twice.

"I wouldn't say I took my second goal coolly. I'm honest enough to say when I fluked one in.

"It hit off my studs, but as a defender you don't really care how they go in you just have to cherish them because they don't happen that often."

Strachan was reluctant to discuss speculation striker Chris Sutton, whose contact is up at the end of the season, has been targeted by Everton.

Strachan said: "This is not the time to speak about it.

"There is a hitch in his contract and I would be stupid to think that nobody would notice there is a hitch and try and get a top, top player."

Taken from sportinglife.com