Frustrated Hearts question critical Aberdeen goal as Liam Fox sheds light on John Beaton discussion.
Jambos believe the ball was rolling for Devlin’s leveller at Pittodrie.
Liam Fox, Hearts’ caretaker manager, was dissatisfied and “frustrated” after his team’s winless streak extended with a 3-2 loss to Aberdeen.
Dons replacement Ante Palaversa scored on 88 minutes to end a tense contest at Pittodrie, which the visitors had momentarily led. Aberdeen took the lead after two minutes with to Topi Keskinen’s deflected shot, but Hearts equalized just before halftime thanks to Frankie Kent. Blair Spittal put the Jambos ahead after 62 minutes, but Nicky Devlin leveled two minutes later. Hearts were reduced to 10 men after Jorge Grant was sent off for a second booking on 75 minutes, and the Dons sought a winner, scoring with minutes remaining.
Hearts played well in loss, putting up possibly their greatest performance of the season, but were undone by poor finishing. Fox was also irritated by Grant’s first yellow card, which was issued after he and teammates argued the ball was still moving from a rapid free kick that resulted in Devlin’s goal.
Lawrence Shankland and Liam Fox leave Pittodrie following Hearts’ defeat. | SNS Group
“I feel disappointed, I feel frustrated,” Fox told me. “For many stretches of the game, I felt the players were outstanding. Even more so after a really stressful week. Not only are Steven [Naismith] and his colleagues going, but we’ve also been traveling.
“To be honest, I’m really disappointed in the players because I thought we had a chance for at least one point.” The amount of opportunities we produced, the manner in which we moved the ball, and our energy level while not in possession of the ball. The overriding sentiment is one of disappointment for the players.
“We produced a lot of opportunities, including some pretty fantastic ones. This occurs in football. On another day, you could take them and see a different consequence. The red card undoubtedly alters the pace of the game.
“It’s also worth noting that the ball in the second goal is still moving after a free kick. They increase the park score. Jorge Grant is then booked for dissent after complaining about the ball moving, then he is sent off for a challenge. So, there is irritation and disillusionment. It’s a painful one to accept.”
When asked if he had spoken to referee John Beaton about the ball rolling, Fox responded, “I spoke with John [Beaton] pretty fast. He basically said the decision was up to him.”
Frankie Kent’s dejection speaks volumes for Hearts. – SNS Group.
Fox went on to say of Grant: “First and foremost, Jorge Grant has raised his hands, and he believes he has let the team down. There is no doubt that sending off impacts the game’s flow and momentum. That is football. We work in a world with razor-thin margins, and I believe those two factors worked against us today.
Hearts are anticipated to have a new head coach in place for their next encounter against St Mirren on October 19, but Fox is unclear how the next few days will unfold. “I’ve no idea until somebody from the club tells me differently but until such times that is, I’ll be back to work tomorrow,” explained Fox. “We also have the international break now, which will probably give the club some time to go through the process, which I’m sure they’re already doing.
“It’s been a joy and an honour for me to take on this responsibility, and even in the short term, I’m unhappy that we didn’t get anything out of today. We’ve got Ross Matthews’ friendly on Wednesday night, so we’ll go back in, have a couple of days off tomorrow, and then see where we are the rest of the week.”
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