Craig Levein accepts apology from Hearts star Christian Nade over reckless tackle

Dec 21 2008 By Gordon Waddell

CRAIG LEVEIN accepted an apology from Hearts striker Christian Nade for the wrecking-ball tackle that flattened Paul Dixon.

But the Dundee United boss revealed he issued one straight back to the player for abusing him after it!

Levein left his old stomping ground at Tynecastle delighted with the point that keeps the Arabs in pole position in the hunt for third spot - but more relieved that Dixon made it out in one piece.

He said: "To be fair to Nade he came up to me at the end of the match and said sorry for the tackle. I also said sorry to him because I was shouting at him after it which I shouldn't have done.

"Willie Collum gave me a dressing down as well because I was jumping about but the main thing from it all was that Paul was okay."

Dixon reckons he was lucky that was the outcome though. Pointing to a spot just above his knee, he said: "That's where he caught me.

"All I remember is playing the ball into Morgaro Gomis and then seeing Nade absolutely charging in at me. It was pretty painful.

"I think he was taken off for his own safety. Did he apologise to me? He never said a word."

Taken from the Sunday Mail