Robbie Neilson: Scott Brown '˜cheat' claim disappointing

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson has defended Jamie Walker following accusations that he conned referee John Beaton to win a penalty against Celtic.

Robbie Neilson defended the actions of Walker. Picture: Toby Williams

Celtic skipper Scott Brown labelled Walker a “cheat” after the Hearts midfielder went down under the attentions of Kieran Tierney before slotting home an equaliser from the spot.

Celtic went on to win 2-1 in Sunday’s Ladbrokes Premiership opener but Walker could face a ban if Scottish Football Association compliance officer Tony McGlennan finds merit in Brown’s assessment.

Neilson said: “It’s disappointing when you hear fellow professionals saying things like that but Scott’s entitled to his opinion.

“But from our perspective, Jamie has said there was contact there. If there’s contact, it’s up to the referee to make a decision.

“At no point did Jamie claim for a penalty, as any of our players did. The referee makes the decision and you have to accept it.”

Hearts striker Conor Sammon also backed his team-mate.

“That’s Scott Brown’s opinion and he is entitled to that,” Sammon said.

“Jamie Walker is fine, he’s a very talented player and a strong character. I’m sure he won’t lose any sleep over those comments. He is very much his own person. And as a group of players we will stick together.”

Brown said after Sunday’s match: “It is brilliant how well he dives. He is really good at that. He should have been in Rio. It was a dive. Cheat. What else can you say?”

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