John Robertson believes referee Steven McLean guessed at decisive penalty as Hearts beat Inverness

Highlanders manager says his team matched hosts at Tynecastle

John Robertson with Jamie Walker at full-time at Tynecastle.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager John Robertson believes referee Steven McLean was guessing when awarding Hearts a decisive penalty-kick in the opening Betfred Cup tie.

Jamie Walker scored from the spot on 60 minutes to win the game for the hosts at Tynecastle Park after McLean penalised Inverness teenager Cameron Harper for handling.

Josh Ginnelly’s shot struck the defender on the arm, but Robertson was adamant the limb was not in an unnatural position because it was tucked into his body.

“We’ve all seen it on the monitor and under the new regulations that’s not a penalty,” said Robertson on Premier Sports. “He’s turned his back, his arms are in his body line, he hasn’t raised them.

“Has it hit his arm? Yes, but it’s not in the position we were told would be a penalty so we’re disappointed in that. We think he [McLean] has guessed and I think that shows it.

“In terms of the game, I thought our young lads were magnificent. They worked hard and created chances. We had as many good chances as Hearts, both keepers had some fabulous saves and it’s taken a controversial decision to split the teams.”

The Hearts manager Robbie Neilson gave his thoughts on the disputed decision. “If it hits his hand, it’s a penalty, isn’t it? If the ball is going on target and the hand gets in the way, it’s a penalty,” he said.

Neilson was delighted to win the first competitive match of his second spell in charge of the Edinburgh club and acclaimed the on-loan Preston winger Josh Ginnelly.

“It’s been a long time since we played a competitive game, over 200 days. To come back and get the win is great,” said Neilson.

“We created a lot of chances in the first half and if we managed to put the ball in the net I think it changes the game.

“Teams in the Championship are going to be compact against Hearts and difficult to break down. You need guys who can go one-v-one, like Ginnelly. He created numerous chances for us and we didn’t take them.

“As time goes on, we will realise what he’s good at and what he’s going to do and we’ll start scoring.”

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