Steven Naismith explains why Rangers star Barron handball claim WASN’T a penalty but warns ‘there will be bad decisions’

STEVEN NAISMITH has backed Nick Walsh after the ref DENIED Hearts a penalty.
The majority inside Tynecastle were screaming for a spot-kick when Yan Dhanda’s cross struck the arm of Connor Barron.
Last season it would surely have been given, but it wasn’t here as the Jambos held Gers to a goalless draw.
Following a summit with SFA refs supremo Willie Collum and all the top-flight bosses, there’s been a relaxing of the instructions on handball.
And Naismith last night insisted the bar has now been set.
The Hearts boss confessed: "I don't think it's a penalty, if I'm honest.
“Last season there was a big debate.
“Willie and the referees and the league have done a lot to clear things up and have made a conscious effort to stop you guys asking that question to write about it.
"You will stop it, you will see it.
“People will say it's unnatural but, if you've played the game, there isn't much he can do so I don't think it's a penalty.
"Since I've been in charge, the biggest thing we need is consistency.
“Inconsistency has been highlighted and recognised by the referees and everybody involved.
“There are going to be bad decisions but I think we all need to work together to make it as good as we can.”
It’s over four years since Hearts last beat Rangers - and Naismith knows his side will never have a better chance of ending that wretched run.
His side created the best chances, but couldn’t find a winner on the opening day.
Naismith said: “It was an entertaining game for a 0-0.
“I know the headlines will all be ‘Rangers have dropped point’ but I think we should have won the game.
“We created good chances, had really good moments, had more of them.
“First half our performance was really good.
“They then need to change what they are doing to try and get a foothold in the game and they did to a point but it was all in front of us, never really caused us too many problems.
“They are direct so they are going to get some chances off the back of that but I thought we played really well today.
“The only thing missing was a goal or two.”
While bemoaning the lack of a winner, Naismith was still delighted with his side’s overall performance.
Gerald Taylor was outstanding at right-back, while Barrie McKay looked back to his best too.
Naisy said: “We are going to challenge the players every day.
“Last week against Fleetwood, we challenged and it wasn't a good day.
“That doesn't mean we're a rubbish team or we are not good enough.
“It gives us a guide of where we're at. If we keep looking and there is progression and we are moving the club forward, then we are doing a good job.
"We've recruited well, we've got a good squad, we've got a tough season ahead, but this is a good start and a good marker.”
Subscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.
We've got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.
Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week...
MONDAY
Go Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.
WEDNESDAY
Robert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.
FRIDAY
Go Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.
Subscribe now and don't miss a thing.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page