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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Gabriel McKay

Seething Robbie Neilson blasts Hearts penalty non-calls as he brands Don Robertson 'just not good enough'

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson slammed referee Don Robertson as he branded the official "just not good enough" after a controversial non-penalty award.

The Jambos drew 0-0 with city rivals Hibs in the second Edinburgh derby of the season but were left fuming after a first half flashpoint.

Lewis Stevenson barged Ellis Simms in the box and the visitors were screaming for a penalty, as well as a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

And Hearts also felt aggrieved at what they saw as a missed handball incident in what ultimately ended up being a Premiership stalemate.

Their manager, who was booked for his protests, didn't hold back after the match, as he pointed to decisions which he feels are continually going against his side.

(SNS Group)

Neilson told Sky Sports: "I was pleased with the performance, disappointed with the referee's performance.

"I thought there were two incidents there where he's got to make the right decision and he didn't make it.

"We could have come in against 10 men, and with a penalty hopefully 1-0 up, and I thought it was a handball. He's got to get these decisions right.

"It (Stevenson on Simms) is a penalty, let's be honest.

"I'm sure the boys in the studio have spoken about it already, it's absolutely 100 per cent stonewall.

"I don't understand why it wasn't given but the boys were excellent tonight, the fanbase was different gravy as usual and we take a point.

"The game's scrappy, it's one of them, but again it's come down to key decisions.

"The last couple of weeks we're lucky that they haven't cost us but today I felt it cost us."

The Hearts boss when then quizzed over whether he'd spoken to the referee, and whether the controversial incidents will increase the calls for VAR.

Neilson replied: "I tried to speak to him, hopefully I can see him after this and get his thoughts on things but I think everyone can see, especially with the penalty in the first half, it's just not good enough.

"VAR? I think it will. It's part of football, I understand that, but these key decisions: you've got to get it right.

"When it's as blatant as that you've got to."

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