VALDAS IVANAUSKAS today criticised referee Dougie McDonald for denying Hearts a penalty against Celtic that could ultimately cost the club £10million.

McDonald opted not to award the visitors a 78th-minute penalty after Bobo Balde appeared to foul Roman Bednar in the penalty area, and, seconds later, the official sent a disgusted Ivanauskas to the stand for kicking the wall in front of Celtic Park's main stand in frustration.
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Hearts' interim head coach may incur punishment from the Scottish Football Association for his misdemeanour, having previously been spoken to by McDonald when a 50th-minute Andy Webster header was disallowed for offside.

However Ivanauskas remains unrepentant, and now fears that the penalty decision could ultimately deny Hearts a coveted place in the Champions League and the chance of a £10m bounty.

"Everybody makes mistakes and that includes referees," he said. "But a referee's mistake can cost millions of pounds for a club and I think this mistake might be very important for us.

"I feel very angry, especially at the penalty incident. Millions of people, supporters at the stadium, fans watching on TV in Scotland, England and in Europe will have seen a penalty but the referee doesn't see it. I can't understand.

"I was upset at that, and I was angry at the goal that was disallowed, but I spoke to Steven Pressley who was sitting in the stand and he told me that Webby was offside.

"The performance of the team was perfect but we have no points. That's not our problem, it's other people's problem."

Ivanauskas oversaw a determined and at-times stylish Hearts display in the east end of Glasgow, however it was not enough to prevent Celtic from securing their fourth SPL title in six years, and their first under the tutelage of Gordon Strachan.

After John Hartson's early opener, Hearts retorted with a convincing display and came close to levelling the match.

"The players had the right attitude and were very positive," added Ivanauskas.

"I am happy with that and with the spirit and tempo we showed. The gameplan was fine but it's gone now and we have no points, which leaves me very frustrated.

"We have six games left and if we play with the same energy as last night then we have a big chance. I hope we can take that chance."

The Lithuanian was forced to withdraw his compatriot Edgaras Jankauskas in the second half after the striker suffered an ankle injury.

He is now rated in the doubtful category for this weekend's SPL meeting with Dunfermline at Tynecastle.

"After the game he felt very bad and his ankle is swollen," said Ivanauskas. "We have two days until the Dunfermline game so hopefully we can use that time to get Edgar better. We need to wait to see how he is, and we won't know that until nearer Saturday.

"Every player on the pitch last night turned in an excellent performance and I am pleased with every one of them."

Ivanauskas' assistant, John McGlynn, was also encouraged by Hearts' dominance at times against Celtic last night, and he believes that a succession of displays like that can see them hold off Rangers for the coveted second place.

"I've seen Rangers come here and not play as well as that, so if we continue in that vein then I think we can take the second spot."

Taken from the Scotsman