After Sunday’s 'fracas'/ 'melee' at New Douglas Park, Hearts have now asked the SFA for a formal explanation of the performance of referee David Somers and his assistants. Manager Csaba Laszlo, who clearly has 'tunnel vision' has asked for a written explanation and said: "Clearly, I try as much as possible to be fair with my comments regarding referees and if you look back at my time since becoming Hearts manager you will see I am actually very positive in my comments where I can be." He goes on to say:  "However, it's clear to me that I share the views of a number of other managers who genuinely believe that the standard of officiating is one of the biggest challenges the game in Scotland faces." Aye not like the eighties and early nineties.

Referee Somers has already admitted that he made a mistake in sending off Michael Stewart and now an SFA panel will review the incident.  Hearts players Santana, Black and Jonsson who were all reported for their involvement in 'Tunnelgate' have been fined by the Edinburgh club. It may be that Laszlo is not fully convinced that his players were fully responsible for the events in the tunnel as he goes on to say: "While there were clearly a series of circumstances that led to events at the end of the game, it is important that players retain their discipline at all times." Hearts players retain their discipline? 

Apart from the obvious suspensions, Hearts have other team selection problems for the visit of Dundee United on Saturday. (Referee Euan Norris will be relishing this game). Missing through injury are Andrew Driver and Marius Zaliukas. There are also doubts over the goalkeeper position as Janos Ballogh has a hamstring injury which led to him being replaced by Jamie McDonald on Saturday but he is ruled out of selection with suspected ligament damage to his ankle. Marion Kello may return after he missed the Hamilton game through illness. Presently on loan from second division East Fife is 19 year old Mark Ridgers and Laszlo stated: "We will see how Janos is, I hope he will be fit, Jamie cannot play and we must hope Marian is fit after he was ill at the weekend. We do have Mark Ridgers, and he is a very good young goalkeeper, so we have no problems in involving him."

So after the players exchange presents we can expect another SPL game with very little controversy and one where the referee is not even noticed.

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