Welly Machine

I have looked at the images multiple times, video and stills, and tried to be as impartial as I can be. At the end of the games that night it didn't make any difference to what we needed to do at Easter Road after the Hibs result at Ibrox, but I can't for the life of me see how they can be so definitive with those images. Willie Collum: "for us there is clear evidence", "in our opinion this is clear" "VAR, AVAR and referee are the important people here". Andrew Dallas: "definitely hits his arm" Seems to me they are basically saying it doesn't matter that most people, other than Celtic or Hibs fans, can't say one way or another whether the ball definitely makes contact with Sam Nicholson's hand/arm it's what we think that counts. For me they are seeing, or say they are seeing, something most other people can't. Most people can't see ghosts either.👻

Went for O'Donnell but could easily have went with Sparrow. Fadinger and Johnny K also impressive.

Too hacked off post last night. Thought we were the better team in the first half, they were for half an hour in the second then us again for the last 15. On the penalty, viewing from the Cooper, I first thought just another throw in to begin with then a free kick to us when there was a slight delay. Completely bewildered when the announcement was made for a VAR check but kept an open mind and thought might have been pretty clear given how quickly Beaton turned and pointed. On the drive home Sportsound going mental about it then watched Sportscene and various other sources since. You really can't explain why VAR got involved in the first place and when it did why Beaton didn't stick by his on field decision without thinking there is a serious problem with competence and/or weakness in decision making with the officiating. The fact Beaton was so quick to award it given how it doesn't seem at all clear whether any of the criteria to justify it are there, never mind there being any contact with the hand, leaves it open to all sorts of theories. May be just my biased viewpoint but I think there isn't any less proof Nicholson was fouled, looks to have taken elbow to the ribs in the challenge.

Noticing a trend recently with opposition targeting Just for 'special' treatment. Were all three Hearts bookings for fouls on him?

Couldn't see past O'Donnell, seemed to be everywhere last night, unlucky not to score and think the goal saving block early on might be even better than Johnny K's in the first home game against Hibs . Thought Gordon done really well and Watt was the pick of midfield.

I thought we weren't at our best but definitely deserved a point, great crowd and atmosphere. On the penalty claims I think we were lucky to get away with the Longelo one but Kyziridis takes a dive when he can easily take a touch on the ball instead. The rolling about obviously just to make sure VAR take a look. For ours on Maswanhise it would have been soft but looks like there was slight contact from both Hearts players. Hopefully get a win on Wednesday to put 4th beyond doubt.

Just seen the KMI Panel outcomes from last weekend are available: The panel unanimously agreed that the on-field decision was incorrect. The panel highlighted VAR should have intervened to recommend an OFR and a penalty should have been awarded. They class this as a difficult decision where the referee needs the help of technology to make the correct decision, yet in this case VAR didn't get involved. Why? Slattery payback? I'm sure the VAR Review show for April will clear it up 🤔

Wondered where Ricki Lamie was playing these days. Remember him scoring against Hearts twice in one season not so long ago.

Can't get much clearer than that. Would love to hear the VAR audio on this one.

Can't remember more frustrating game this season. Thought we were showing signs of taking control before gifting the second. Worrying that Falkirk adopted the same man for man approach from the start today as they did in the second half back in October and we seemed, yet again, to have no answer to it. Haven't seen the penalty incidents again but hope not being disadvantaged because of the Slattery incident and the arse that was made of it.

Pretty poor overall. Thought we defended well for most of the game but didn't quite have enough once we crossed the halfway line. Moved the ball too slow and guy on the ball had a lack of options too often. Hibs seemed to be playing not to lose first and foremost and maybe hope something broke their way.

Went for O'Donnell. Energy levels unbelievable. Made so many runs forward without taking away from his defensive responsibilities. Slattery, Said and Maswanhise also impressive. Bjørgolfsson also looked a handful when he came on.

We can be better but comfortable win all the same. How many 2 nils is that now? Should really be putting a fiver on that every home game.

Went for Just. What a find. Clever, makes great runs, vision and a finish with the right foot. Priestman also a find. O'Donnell immense at the back and going forward. Great to see Bjørgolfsson get off the mark. Wouldn't be surprised to see him going on a we run now. No failures, subs all made a contribution.

Not to mention playing football with a purpose.