Hearts keeper Jamie MacDonald: Ref cost us a vital point

Greig Thomas

6 Aug 2013 12:28

JAMIE MacDonald insists referee Steven MacLean should have ruled out Stevie May's weekend strike.

HEARTS keeper Jamie MacDonald claims referee Steven MacLean cost his club a vital point in Sunday’s controversial Premiership opener.

The goalie is convinced ex-Hibs midfielder David Wotherspoon was offside and interfering with play when St Johnstone striker Stevie May curled in the only goal of the game.

TV footage shows Wotherspoon move towards May’s effort and MacDonald left it too late to block the shot after anticipating a touch that never came.

Manager Gary Locke quizzed the ref over the decision at the interval after MacLean overruled linesman Graham McNeillie’s offside call while captain Danny Wilson was booked for his protests.

The loss was a blow to the young Hearts side as they bid to overturn the 15-point penalty imposed for going into administration.

MacDonald said: “As the ball came in I’ve checked because their player has moved towards the ball.

“I’ve not followed the line of the ball initially and stopped in case he hits it. But he didn’t and the ball went in.

“For me it’s offside because their player is interfering with play.

“He’s interfering with my decision making and the linesman has flagged straightaway but the referee overruled him which is disappointing.

“If that hadn’t gone in then a draw would have been a fair result.”

Hearts were backed by more than 3,500 fans at McDiarmid Park and MacDonald is hoping the players can now reward their loyal support by getting a result against Hibs on Sunday.

He added: “The fans were different class. It was almost like a home game. Even at the end they stayed behind to show their appreciation.

“It means a lot to the boys and hopefully we can pay them back by getting a win on Sunday.”

Taken from the Daily Record