Hearts fine trio after mass brawl in tunnel

Published Date: 10 December 2009
By STEPHEN HALLIDAY
HEARTS have accepted culpability for their part in the controversial post-match events at New Douglas Park on Sunday by fining their players who were reported by referee David Somers.

Suso Santana, Ian Black and Eggert Jonsson have all been punished by the Tynecastle club following an internal review of the mass brawl in the tunnel following their 2-1 SPL defeat against Hamilton Accies.

Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo admitted there was no excuse for the conduct of the trio, regardless of any perceived injustice they felt at the end of a match they finished with nine men following the dismissals of Michael Stewart and Ismael Bouzid. Somers' rejection of a penalty claim by Hearts in stoppage time, when Calum Elliot appeared to be fouled by David Elebert, intensified Hearts' frustration.

"While there were clearly a series of circumstances that led to events at the end of the game, it is important that players retain their discipline at all times," Laszlo told his club's website. "The players concerned have been disciplined now and we will now concentrate on this weekend's game against Dundee United at Tynecastle."

Spanish winger Santana, who was reported for violent conduct after apparently striking out in the tunnel at unused Hamilton substitute Leon Knight, who was also shown the equivalent of a red card, will miss Saturday's match through suspension. Hearts have confirmed they will not appeal against his dismissal.

Midfielder Black, who was dismissed for insulting and abusive behaviour towards the match officials after the match which was not connected to the tunnel brawl, will also be banned at the weekend. Icelandic midfielder Jonsson was cautioned for dissent.

Hearts have appealed the dismissal during the match of their captain Stewart. He was shown a straight red card for a retaliatory swipe at Hamilton midfielder Alex Neil. Referee Somers has since reviewed the incident and agreed to refer it to an SFA review panel. If they rescind the red card, Stewart will be able to face United. But Algerian defender Bouzid, sent off for two bookable offences, will miss the match as he serves an automatic one-match ban.

Meanwhile, Laszlo looks poised for talks with majority share-holder Vladimir Romanov amid reports the Lithuanian-based businessman will make a visit to Tynecastle this weekend.

Hearts will be hoping for a win to impress their majority shareholder, but Laszlo has other problems to contend with due to doubts over goalkeepers Janos Balogh and Jamie MacDonald.

Marian Kello may come back after missing the New Douglas Park clash through illness.

"We will see how Janos is, I hope he will be fit," Laszlo said. "Jamie cannot play, and we must hope Marian is fit after he was ill at the weekend. We do have Mark Ridgers, and he is a very good young goalkeeper, so we have no problems in involving him."

Taken from the Scotsman