HEARTS are expected to learn within the next few days the SFA's response to their calls for an inquiry into the "integrity" of the decision which led to the controversial penalty award in their match against Rangers, writes Rob Robertson. The Herald understands that John McBeth, the president of the SFA, will reject their calls for a probe out of hand.
McBeth may go further and take the Edinburgh club to task for calling into question the decision made by the referee, Hugh Dallas, and his assistant, Andy Davis.
To compound matters, the flu bug which forced Hearts into a two day shut-down has worsened with around seven players now doubtful for the weekend game with Inverness Caledonian Thistle. John Robertson, the Hearts coach, cancelled training on Monday and Tuesday in a bid to stop the spread of the illness.
Robertson and his assistant Donald Park have both been affected by the virus, but it is unlikely that they will call for a postponement. "It is a case of seeing who makes it in on Friday and taking it from there, " said Robertson.
Across the city, Hibernian are likely to receive a big fine from the SFA following the match against Celtic at Easter Road last Sunday, when a water bottle was thrown in the direction of Craig Bellamy.
The referee's report into the incident, Hibs' third of this nature since September, was due to be lodged with the SFA this morning.
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