Hearts urge supporters not to protest following Scottish Cup exit
They were beaten 2-1 by Highland League side Brora Rangers
Last updated 25th Mar 2021
Hearts fans are being urged not to vent their anger at the Scottish Cup exit to Brora Rangers by protesting outside Tynecastle.
In a statement, chairman Ann Budge says everyone at the club was 'stunned and embarrassed' by the 2-1 second round defeat to the Highland League part-time outfit.
But she calls on supporters not to participate in any demonstration at the ground ahead of their Championship game against Queen of the South on Saturday - because of current coronavirus rules.
It reads: "Everyone associated with the Club feels let down. However the most important thing now is to bounce back.
"At the start of this season every single one of us agreed that, above all else, this year was about winning the Championship and getting back to where we belong.
"We are on the cusp of achieving that objective. Let’s not risk success now by allowing frustration and anger to knock us off course. We still have a job to finish."
That call was echoed by manager Robbie Neilson during Thursday's pre-match press conference.
He said: "I totally understand the frustration of the fans. We're all massively frustrated with the result.
"With current times it's highly inadvisable to do it protest. Yes, vent your frustration online, but definitely not gathering at this current time."