Heartbreak for Pars

Posted Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by PA

Dunfermline manager Jim McIntyre revealed his players were insistent that neither Hearts goal should have stood in their 2-1 Co-operative Insurance Cup defeat at Tynecastle.

Pars right-back Callum Woods claimed he had been fouled by David Obua before the Hearts midfielder crossed for Suso Santana to cancel out Graham Bayne's first-half opener.

The Dunfermline players were then livid with Obua again after the Uganda international won a 74th-minute penalty when he fell to the ground under Neil McGregor's shoulder charge.

Michael Stewart tucked the spot-kick away to send Hearts into the quarter-finals and leave McIntyre's team with a sense of injustice.

"The boys are adamant it was not a penalty," the Pars boss said.

"They say the big guy has played for it. I didn't think it was a penalty but I would need to see it again to see if it was a blatant barge or just a shoulder.

"There was definitely contact. There's no doubt he's looking for the penalty. Whether you see that as clever play on his part or a bit of simulation, who knows? I would need to see it again, it wasn't clear-cut."

McIntyre complained bitterly to fourth official David Somers after Santana's goal after trying in vain to replace Woods with Joe Cardle.

"Callum is adamant it was a foul," he said.

"But I was unhappy because I was desperate to get a sub on. The fourth official just took forever to do it and that's why I was so angry."

Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo, who admitted his side were complacent in the first half, defended Obua over the penalty incident.

"I don't think he dived," Laszlo said.

"Before you accuse him you must watch the replay. I think we had other chances for a penalty."

Laszlo was delighted to avoid a repeat of last season's home defeat by Airdrie as Hearts maintained Edinburgh's interest in the tournament following Hibernian's defeat by St Johnstone the previous night.

"It was very important because for a long time we have flown out the cup early," he said.

"It was important to show the fans we take this competition seriously.

"It would be important to reach the final if possible. This is a high-prestige tournament. It is important to go through, especially after Hibs flew out on Wednesday."