Hearts owners question refereeing as club seek answers after Motherwell and Celtic incidents impact title race

Foundation of Hearts today questioned refereeing decisions in Scotland ahead of Hearts’ Premiership title decider with Celtic. The fan-led FoH group which owns Hearts on behalf of nearly 10,000 members issued a statement to convey their dismay following events at Fir Park in recent days.

The Tynecastle side are adamant they were denied two clear penalties during Saturday’s 1-1 draw there against Motherwell. Emmanuel Longelo’s handball was ignored before Tawanda Maswanhise’s clip on Alexandros Kyziridis’ foot went unpunished - despite referee Steven McLean visiting a VAR touchline monitor to review the incident.

Then, as Hearts beat Falkirk 3-0 at Tynecastle on Wednesday night, Celtic were awarded a highly-controversial 98th-minute penalty-kick to win 3-2 at Motherwell. As a result, Hearts sit one point ahead of Celtic atop the Premiership table instead of three, with both clubs meeting in Glasgow on Saturday in a final-day showdown for the league title.

Foundation of Hearts chose to speak out with tensions rising and supporters angry due to officials’ decisions which have impacted the title race in the last few days. Hearts are aiming to win the league for the first time in 66 years and many fans now feel there is a clear agenda against their club.

The Foundation statement from chairman Gerry Mallon read: “All of us at the Foundation of Hearts congratulate our magnificent team and manager, Derek McInnes, on their outstanding achievements in this momentous season, and urge all Heart of Midlothian supporters to get right behind them for Saturday’s final game of the campaign.

“We have, however, been extremely concerned by a number of refereeing and VAR decisions across the last two rounds of fixtures, which have had a significant impact on outcomes for Hearts and others. That this has occurred at such a crucial stage of the season is particularly disappointing. We understand that the club shares these concerns and has made representations to the football authorities seeking clarification on recent decisions.

“At a time when Scottish football is subject to heightened scrutiny, both nationally and internationally, it is important that confidence in officiating standards is maintained. We therefore call on those responsible for the officiating of Saturday’s match to ensure that the highest standards of decision-making are applied, so that the game is decided by the players on the pitch and the team is given the fair opportunity it has earned.”

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes labelled Celtic’s late penalty award “disgusting” after seeing footage of the incident on Wednesday night. “I shouldn't be commenting on another game, but I knew I was going to get asked the question,” he said. “And having seen that, it feels like us against everybody. When you see the two [penalties] that we didn't get at the weekend [at Motherwell] and then you see that, how they can arrive at that situation? Celtic have, I'm sure, more than a touch of fortune at getting that penalty.

“But I'm getting more and more dismayed at some of the decisions that our referees are coming up with. It's such a bad decision. Motherwell must feel totally aggrieved about it. I don't see it. I had to keep looking at it. I thought I was missing something when I was watching it. I had to ask, what am I looking for here? So, it's actually quite disgusting, to be honest. It feels like us against everybody.”