James Hill has issued an apology to the Hearts travelling support for his reaction at full-time against Aberdeen.
The stopper - on loan from Bournemouth - attempted to go over to the fans at full-time to thank them for their backing in the Pittodrie hammering but it ended in a slight confrontation as he revealed what was said to him that sparked the situation. Robbie Neilson's men crashed to a crushing 3-0 defeat with the home side three goals to the good before the half hour mark in the north east.
Hearts now sit just four points ahead of the Dons in the race to finish best of the rest behind Celtic and Rangers while Hibs and Livingston are still in touching distance with just six points between sixth and third with four games to be played before the league split. Hill says his reaction came down to the anger he shared with the support after the display and says he will give his 'absolute all' between now and the end of the campaign.
READ MORE: Lawrence Shankland issues strong Hearts apology and says 'tough talks' to come after Aberdeen loss
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He posted to Instagram: "I just want to apologise to the Hearts supporters for my reaction after the full time whistle on Saturday. Like you, I was angry and frustrated with the result.
"As I went to thank the fans at full time, a supporter repeatedly shouted at me to get back down to Bournemouth and obviously that hurt me as I've never given anything less than 100 per cent in a Hearts shirt.
"I've loved every minute of my time at the club. The fans are second to none and that's why Saturday's performance hurt so bad. I reacted in frustration by shouting back that I never give anything less than my all. But I realise it was wrong of me to do so.
"The Hearts fans were brilliant on Saturday despite the loss and I can assure you I was every bit as angry as you here, hence my reaction.
"I'll continue to give my absolute all for the maroon jersey between now and the end of the season and there was no intention to disrespect the travelling supporters."
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