Hearts boss Paulo Sergio: Ref mistakes cost us the chance of three points

Mar 25 2012 By Euan McLean

PAULO SERGIO had a pop at ref Steven McLean and claimed he should have stopped play before both St Johnstone goals.

The Hearts boss reckons the move leading up to Saints’ first strike started from an offside position and claimed defender Danny Grainger was fouled seconds before the late penalty that clinched Saints’ victory.

Sergio said: “The penalty was a clear foul but I believe there was a foul before it when Danny Grainger tried to head the ball and Cillian Sheridan put his foot in his face.

“The first goal started from an offside position when the midfielder broke forward, so that’s two big mistakes that hurt us badly.

“All the second half we were comfortable and looking to win so not to take at least a point is very frustrating.

“I had to rest some players because of lots of different problems, so we gave a chance to the younger ones.

“Jason Holt did well and Gary Glen was unlucky not to score at the end.

“Kilmarnock are now five points behind us and there is a lot to play for if we are to finish in the top six. Life is not easy but I believe we are still going to be there.”

Saints boss Steve Lomas said: “I think it was a penalty. Fran has that quality where defenders think they can nick it off his toe but he chops it at the last minute. He has that close control and quick feet.”

Taken from the Scotsman