SPL: O'Neill leaps to Balde's defence

Martin O'Neill has launched a broadside at Hearts in defence of Bobo Balde.

Hearts were unhappy about a challenge made by Balde on Thomas Flogel in last month's game at Celtic.

But O'Neill believes it is "a bit choice" for Hearts to complain after Andy Webster's challenge on Didier Agathe in November.

The wing-back suffered knee ligament damage and has only just returned from the injury.

"The criticism Balde has had came in a short spell," O'Neill said.

"Hearts complained about a challenge he made in which the referee actually awarded a throw-in.

"That seemed a bit choice from them considering we had Didier Agathe missing for three months over a tackle that looked, when you see it again on TV and his knee bends a little, career-threatening.

"It seemed strange that Hearts should set the bandwagon rolling, although I am the first to say Bobo didn't help himself by the elbowing incident.

"Paul Fenwick made less of his incident than Hearts did with their throw-in."