It will be a more dignified and fitting send-off

IT is unfortunate that the first opportunity Hearts fans have to pay tribute to their former chairman Wallace Mercer at Tynecastle should coincide with the visit of Hibernian.

As expected, some elements within the visiting support have announced their intention to turn their backs on the pitch during the one-minute planned applause in memory of Mr Mercer. While such disrespect cannot be condoned, it is inevitable given the strong feelings generated by the threat the former Tynecastle supremo posed to Hibs under his plans to merge the two clubs.

But before Hearts supporters get on their high horse, they should consider how some of their own support would react if asked to pay their respects to any Hibernian stalwart at Easter Road.

The one blessing is that Hearts have chosen to honour Mr Mercer with a minute's applause, allowing Hibs fans that are so minded simply not to participate.

It will be a more dignified and fitting send-off for the Tynecastle legend than a minute's silence interrupted by ill-mannered jeering and whistling.

Taken from the Scotsman