cinch PREMIERSHIP
6th April 2024
SMISA Stadium, Paisley

St. Mirren 1-2 Hearts

Grant 33 (p)
Mandron OG 62
OLUSANYA 68

ATT: 7,740
Referee: A Muir
VAR: A Dallas

• Despite a top 6 place finally being secured, Saints fall to a disappointing defeat at a sold out SMISA stadium.
• However, it is Referee Alan Muir that is the focus of all attention after the match following his decision not to award Saints a late penalty after Tait had clearly brought down Conor McMenamin inside the box.
• After not giving the penalty during open play, Muir was then instructed by the VAR team to review his decision, but still decided there was no foul despite an obvious infringement on the back of the Saints wingers knee as he wriggled clear.
• 10 days later, the SPFL review committee judged the actions of the referee to be incorrect and a penalty should have been awarded. This is the 4th incorrect decision to be identified that has adversely affected Saints, more than any other club.
• Muir had decided to award Hearts an earlier penalty after VAR intervention, when Marcus Fraser was “guilty” of handball when Vargas struck a shot against him arm from close range. Grant scored the resultant spot kick.
• With the wind seriously affecting play, Hearts scored a second time after 62 minutes from a rare attack when a corner was cleared but struck Mandron before crossing the line.
• Toyosi Olusnaya halved the deficit with a brilliant 60 yard solo goal shortly after, but Saints couldn’t find the equaliser their play probably deserved.