Ex-PGMOL chief: VAR should have intervened after Hearts star’s ‘disgraceful’ scenes vs Dundee United
Hearts picked up another win in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday as they beat Dundee United 3-0.
It ended up being a simple victory for the Jam Tarts, with the Tangerines going down to nine players in the tie.
Hearts continue to play matches where either themselves or their opponents have gone down to 10 players, and this trend has continued.
Firstly, Amar Fatah was sent off for a reckless challenge, before Panutche Camara was given his marching orders for an apparent headbutt on Marc Leonard.
However, it was the latter incident that has caused widespread controversy, with the Hearts star quick to fall to the ground despite the lack of force in the head motion.
Keith Hackett: Marc Leonard’s reaction for Panutche Camara red card is disgraceful
Leonard has only just re-joined Hearts, but is already causing controversy in the Scottish Premiership.
The midfielder was part of a scuffle late on with the Dundee United players, with the Jambos already 2-0 up.
However, when Camara made a motion towards Leonard’s head, he flew to the ground with ease.
Watching the footage back, Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider that VAR should have intervened to give the referee another look at the incident.
🗣️ “The intent is there”
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 31, 2026
Kris Boyd backs the red card for Panutche Camará. Your thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/zZbpr1gRIU
“These incidents highlight what is so bad about our game. Camara should not have used the movement of his head towards his opponent.
“That is wrong and opens himself up to the risk of the match official showing a red card. First violent conduct.
“The reaction of his opponent however, to go to ground has though receiving a full headbutt knockout is frankly disgraceful.
“It brings the game into disrepute and damages its image.
“I would have liked VAR to have intervened so that the referee could have a second look at this incident.
“He may have reduced his sanction from red to yellow.
“Will Camara’s club appeal the red card? Watch this space.”
What did Derek McInnes say after Hearts’ win over Dundee United?
For Derek McInnes, it was another step in the right direction.
The match against Dundee United could have easily proved to be a banana skin, with the Tangerines looking to push into the top six before the split.
However, Hearts ensured the game was essentially over after 30 minutes as they took a step closer to the title.
Speaking after the match to BBC Sport on 31 January, McInnes was particularly complimentary of Leonard as they picked up three points on the road.
🗣 Derek McInnes speaks to Hearts TV following tonight’s 3-0 victory at Tannadice. pic.twitter.com/NAICVoMUIQ
— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) January 31, 2026
He said: “I spoke [before the game] about how difficult the challenge was going to be.
“We had to turn up tonight and do our work well. I thought we settled and controlled the game really well, particularly with Marc Leonard.
“Once we got that first goal, a brilliant goal from Kabore, I thought we showed real authority, maturity and calmness in the game. It just felt like it was going to be our night.
“I thought we were really strong throughout. I thought we started better, imposed ourselves on the game and scored good goals.”