Critchley Blasts Refereeing Disrespect After Nine-Man Hearts’ Hampden Heartbreak
Critchley Seethes at Referee After Hearts’ Scottish Cup Exit
By Gary Keown | Published: 22:50 BST, 19 April 2025 | Updated: 22:51 BST, 19 April 2025
Hearts manager Neil Critchley launched a scathing critique of referee John Beaton following his team’s dramatic 1-0 extra-time defeat to Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup semi-final, accusing the official of showing a lack of respect after two red cards and a staff dismissal marred the clash at Hampden.
The Tynecastle side played over 70 minutes with ten men after defender Michael Steinwender was sent off for a lunging tackle on Aberdeen’s Topi Keskinen late in the first half. Hearts’ misery deepened in extra time when midfielder Cammy Devlin received a second yellow card, reducing them to nine men just moments before Oday Dabbagh’s 118th-minute winner sealed Aberdeen’s place in the final.
Critchley, already under pressure after Hearts missed out on a top-six Premiership finish, lambasted Beaton’s decisions and demeanor. “I tried to speak to him respectfully, but I didn’t get that respect back,” he fumed. The manager claimed Beaton was overly eager to dismiss Steinwender, stating, “I’ve never seen a referee get a red card out quicker. It’s a long way from goal, and we had defenders recovering. He couldn’t wait.”
Steinwender’s challenge on Keskinen led to a first-half red card, altering the game’s dynamics.
Devlin’s dismissal in extra time—for a collision with Dante Polvara—further incensed Critchley. “Cammy was clearing the ball, and the other lad jumped in front. It’s a foul, but a yellow? Come on,” he argued. Post-match tensions flared as Beaton also sent off Critchley’s assistant, Mike Garrity, for protesting.
Devlin’s controversial second booking left Hearts with nine men before Aberdeen’s late winner.
Despite the setbacks, Hearts defended resolutely, switching to a back-three formation after Steinwender’s exit. They nearly forced penalties until Dabbagh’s strike crushed their hopes. Critchley, however, refused to link the result to his job security: “When I took over, we had two points from 11 games. Our points-per-game since would’ve secured top six. There are positive signs.”
Steinwender’s disbelief mirrored Hearts’ frustration as Beaton’s decisions proved pivotal.
Critchley’s frustration with Beaton’s conduct overshadowed the match. “I don’t swear or act disrespectfully, but his response was unacceptable,” he said, referencing the referee’s threat to send him off during their exchange.
While Hearts’ season ends in disappointment, Aberdeen advances to face Celtic or Rangers in the final. For Critchley, rebuilding trust and refining his squad’s discipline will be critical to winning over fans and securing his future.
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Critchley sees red over referee’s lack of respect as nine-man Hearts suffer Hampden heartache
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Note: The original text was condensed by removing repetitive quotes, streamlining match details, and integrating images with captions. Key points about Critchley’s grievances, the red cards, and the match outcome were retained. For a 650-word version, additional context on Hearts’ season, fan reactions, or Aberdeen’s perspective could be included.
