Hardie is sorry after sideline blow-up

Apr 28 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

MIDFIELDER Martin Hardie yesterday revealed he apologised instantly to manager Derek McInnes for the high-profile tantrum which followed a Dens Park substitution.

The Saints star was replaced by Jody Morris minutes after being floored by Mickael Antoine-Curier’s elbow.

But McInnes wasn’t impressed when Hardie rattled the dug-out in frustration.

The player admitted: “I was fired up because of the importance of the game. It was a Tayside derby and a must-win match.

“But I apologised right away because I let myself and my team mates down.

“I was just disappointed to be taken off because I felt I was playing well. But the manager made the change in the best interests of the team and that is why he’s the top man.”

Yesterday, Hardie was still suffering the after-effects of an assault which saw Antoine-Curier red carded.

He said: “I’ve problems with my ear and I’ve a sore jaw. But at least my face is ok.

“I was in agony and a bit dazed after hitting the deck. And it was even worse when I headed the ball.

“The players said they heard the crack when he connected with the elbow. Even their lads realised it was a cynical foul.

“But luckily Mike McCurry is an experienced referee and dealt with it. Others might have thought twice given the magnitude of the game.”

Hardie will never forget the pain he endured when Gretna wrenched the title from St Johnstone’s grasp two years ago. But this time their destiny is in their own hands.

He said: “That was a really, really hard one to take.

“We had so many games to play and went so close. We were ready to go up into the SPL and so is this squad.

“Hopefully we can get the result needed against Morton to get us back to the top division.”