Hearts boss Robbie Neilson feels that the decision to award the Tynecastle club a penalty in the 1-0 win over Ayr United on Friday night was the correct one.
The only goal of the game came from Liam Boyce, who scored a penalty early in the second-half. The penalty was awarded by referee Steven McLean after a handball by Ayr’s Jack Baird. Neilson thinks that McLean called the decision correct.
“It’s a penalty”
“People talk about rule changes but if the ball gets delivered from 40 yards and hits the boy’s hand, it’s a penalty – no matter if it comes off his thigh or toe first” he said.
“If it gets hit from two or three yards it’s a different story. The way the player’s reacted tells a story” the Hearts manager continued.
Neilson was particularly pleased to get the win as the game at Somerset Park was played in very poor conditions. He did admit that the game wasn’t the most exciting for those watching. But the most important thing was that the Tynecastle club picked up the three points.
“Wasn’t the most entertaining”
“A win’s a win. It wasn’t the most entertaining and the conditions made it difficult. Second half we knew we’d get more of the ball with the wind behind us, and we got more control and ultimately the victory” Neilson proclaimed.
As it stands, Hearts are 12 points clear at the top of the Championship. That number could be reduced when Dunfermline play Arbroath this afternoon. However, the lead still looks to be a handy one for Neilson’s side.