Thursday, March 28, 2024
SportHeartsRobbie Neilson believes Hearts vs Inverness would have descended into a farce

Robbie Neilson believes Hearts vs Inverness would have descended into a farce

BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson insists the decision to postpone yesterday’s clash against Inverness was the right call – because it would have been a “farce”.

The Premiership encounter at Tynecastle was one of several fixtures to fall foul of Storm Desmond, with winds of up to 60 miles per hour battering Scotland’s central belt.

Although fears that the turf would be waterlogged following overnight downpours proved unfounded, it was clear during a 7.30 a.m. pitch inspection that the gale would make the match unplayable.

800px-Tynecastle_Stadium_2007 Zhi Yong Lee
The decision to call of the match was made following an early morning inspection (Pic: Zhi Yong Lee)

 

Despite expressing his disappointment that the call-off was necessary, Neilson believes it was the only decision which could have been made to avoid a ludicrous spectacle.

“We’re disappointed not to have a game to play,” said Neilson. “But ultimately it was the right decision.

“Playing conditions would have been less then ideal and the high winds would have turned what should’ve been a great football match into a farce.

“You have to take into account players, staff and supporters’ safety too.”

The postponement allowed Aberdeen to extend their lead in second spot to four points with their comfortable 2-0 victory over Dundee.

And Neilson will immediately focus on next Saturday’s mouth-watering televised trip to Pittodrie as the Jambos attempt to keep pace with the Dons.

He told Hearts’ official website: “We now turn our attention to Aberdeen a week today and start preparing for that.”

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