Even Hibs hero Paul Kane can see Hearts are being treated badly – Steve Cardownie

Fans should want to see fair play prevail irrespective of who they support, says Steve Cardownie

Even staunch Hibby Paul Kane reckons Hearts would have a 'legitimate grievance' if they were relegated (PIcture: Lisa Ferguson)

I have spent many a good hour or two in the company of Paul Kane, who is to Hibs what Gary MacKay is to Hearts, and good luck to him. That he wears his colours on his sleeve has never been in doubt and yesterday’s comments in the Daily Record regarding Hearts and the very real prospect of relegation was actually quite well measured (despite some sensationalist headlines.)

On Hearts’ current plight he says that “they now appear likely to be relegated when there’s still a possibility they could still play themselves to safety”, adding: “If Hearts are denied this opportunity then do they have a legitimate grievance from a football point of view? Of course they do.”

The importance of Paul’s intervention is that it demonstrates the attitude of people who have an emotional investment in the game and how they want to see fair play prevail irrespective of the colours of the team in need of sporting consideration.

I have always wanted to see both Hearts and Hibs in the Premier Division as there is no substitute for the occasion that the derby provides and welcome Paul’s comments not least because I can continue to remind him that of the 25 times he lined up against his city rivals he was on the winning team all of three times! The drinks are on Paul (again).

Bring on the semi-final!