Robbie Neilson has admitted a moment of madness from Cammy Devlin killed any chance of a Hearts revival against Rangers
The Jambos lost 4-0 at Tynecastle today in a bruising defeat after an Antonio Colak double in the first half was rounded off by goals from Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent. Despite going down in the first five minutes with Stephen Humphrys proving to be a bright spark for the home side. But a disastrous end to the first half saw Devlin sent off for a reckless challenge on Rabbi Matondo.
Hearts boss Neilson believes that moment left his side with a near impossible task as they crumbled to their first home defeat of the season. Neilson also shared his frustration that his side lacked a cutting edge as they failed to trouble their opponents throughout the contest.
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Speaking after the game Neilson said: “When get you get a man sent off after 30 minutes and leave yourself playing against 11 men for 60 minutes it can be very difficult.
“We lost a goal very early and then we responded. The final moment wasn’t quite there for us today we got into good areas and we didn’t quite take it. But ultimately the red card cost us.”
Neilson admitted Devlin let the team down as he accepted the red card. : “I think its a red card. Could the referee have handled it differently? Maybe, but he’s given the referee the opportunity to send him off and I can’t really argue with that.
“I’ve spoke to him. He’s disappointed, he’s let the team down, he knows that he’s been fantastic from day one. He just got his international cap. He’s got energy, athleticism, aggression but there is a line and there’s areas of the pitch as well where you don’t need to do that. Hopefully he’ll live and learn from that.
“We’ve all been there, I’ve been sent off a few times I think everyone has. The only thing is you learn from these experiences.”
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