McInnes swipe at Levein over penalty claims
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes hit back at Hearts counterpart Craig Levein’s claims that the visitors should have had two penalties during their 2-0 defeat at Pittodrie.
Ironically it was the Dons who were awarded a spot-kick by referee John Beaton in a bruising second half. Sam Cosgrove converted to add to his first-half header.
Levein certainly felt hard done-by following a game that flared into controversy in the second half with five bookings and a red card for Jambos wing back Demetri Mitchell.
The Tynecastle club’s manager said: “My biggest gripe, once again, was that I thought there were three penalty decisions to be made and the softest of the lot was the one that was given.
“Steven Naismith was pulled to the ground. I asked him ( John Beaton) but he said he didn’t see it and Peter Haring had a free header where he was barged in the back and both of those claims were denied.”
But a clearly frustrated McInnes snapped back claiming that it was typical of Levein to moan about such situations in an outburst that lacked any seasonal goodwill.
He said: “Do you know what? Sometimes, that is standard with Craig and Hearts. They are always looking for penalties.
“It has gone from two penalties in the BBC interview and he seemingly said three penalties in here (the press room).
“Between trackside and here, they have gained another penalty claim.
“The only one I can think of was Naismith with Max Lowe when Steven MacLean got his chance. If there was a coming-together, I think he is too far away from it to be involved.
“I’ll take you back to Tynecastle when they got two penalties. One was particularly soft and one was never a penalty. We felt a real injustice.
“Anyway, the better team won today. Hands down.”
Levein accepted that Mitchell deserved a red card for two second half fouls but McInnes is convinced Jambos’ returning striker Steven Naismith should also have been sent off.
He was booked for a clash with Lewis Ferguson that sparked additional yellow cards for Dons substitute Stephen Gleeson and Hearts Olly Lee.
McInnes added: “Being close to it and seeing the reaction of my players, I felt it was a red card.
“At the time I thought it was a really disappointing challenge.”
Mitchell will miss the Boxing Day visit of Hamilton while Dons leftback Max Lowe is a doubt for the Celtic game the same day after limping off with a groin injury.