| Report Index--> 2007-08--> All for 20080126 | ||||
| <-Page | <-Team | Sat 26 Jan 2008 Aberdeen 0 Hearts 1 | Team-> | Page-> |
| <-Srce | <-Type | Scotsman ------ Report | Type-> | Srce-> |
| Stephen Frail | <-auth | Darren Johnstone | auth-> | William Collum |
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| 26 | of 026 | Christian Nade 55 | L SPL | A |
Mikoliunas didn't dive, insists FrailBy Darren Johnstone HEARTS caretaker manager Stevie Frail insists that Saulius Mikoliunas was wrongly booked for diving during Saturday's win over Aberdeen. Frail has now studied video footage of the second-half talking point that saw the Lithuanian internationalist fall inside the box under a challenge from Jackie McNamara. Referee William Collum brandished a yellow card for simulation, while the Aberdeen players accused the winger of trying to con the official. Hearts privately feel they are paying the price for Mikoliunas's dive against Scotland which won his country a penalty in the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in September last year. Hearts and Lithuania striker Andrius Velicka was also cautioned in last week's 1-0 derby win over Hibs after going down in the box, even though television evidence hints at contact. In the aftermath of the Pittodrie clash, Frail said he would review footage of the Mikoliunas incident before deciding whether to fine him but he now believes the player was harshly treated. He said: "I have watched the incident again and there was definitely contact in the area with Miko. "That's it finished as far as I am concerned and we are justified in taking no action against him. It looked a penalty at the time and what I saw just backs up my initial feelings on the matter." The win in the Granite City has come at the right time for Hearts as they prepare to take on Rangers tomorrow at Hampden for a place in the CIS Cup semi-final. Frail added: "It was a great win for us as Pittodrie is a very difficult place to go and get a result. "I was delighted with every single one of the players." Meanwhile, Hearts striker Juho Makela has joined Dutch side RKC Waalwijk on trial The Finnish forward has not featured in the Hearts first team since October and could move before the transfer window closes on Thursday. Makela, 24, joined Hearts from HJK Helsinki in a £300,000 deal two years ago. MACKAY'S CUP HOPE HEARTS legend Dave Mackay insists the perfect way to celebrate the club's League Cup win 50 years ago would be to get their hands on the trophy this season. The commanding defender captained the Tynecastle outfit to a memorable 5-1 victory over Partick Thistle at Hampden in 1958 – two years after sampling Scottish Cup glory with the Edinburgh side. Hearts face Rangers tomorrow at the semi-final stage at Hampden, and Mackay said: "It's a cup game and they have, of course got a chance. If I was the manager of Hearts, I would be saying to the boys, this is your last chance to do something this season. Go and take it."  Taken from the Scotsman |
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| <-Page | <-Team | Sat 26 Jan 2008 Aberdeen 0 Hearts 1 | Team-> | Page-> |
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