Ma-Kalambay Insists Goal Wasn't His Fault

Jan 20 2008

YVES MA-KALAMBAY took his place in the graveyard of Hibs keepers at Tynecastle yesterday as he gifted Hearts three points then insisted: "Don't blame me!"

The Belgian giant - dubbed Ma-Kalamity earlier in the season - bungled Andrius Velicka's header over the line in the 20th minute to hand the Jambos a 1-0 win.

But the 21-year-old shrugged: "I'm not upset with myself about the goal. It's not as if it was a mistake or anything. It was such a close-range header. I tried to stop it before it went over the line but didn't do it quite well enough. It was more reaction than anything - I just tried to put something on the ball."

Despite his protests it was a howler that sees him take his place alongside Andy McNeil, Zibi Malkowski and Simon Brown in the Hibees No.1's hall of shame on their rivals' patch.

And it stretches the Easter Road men's disastrous run to just one win in 13 league games since they hit the top of the SPL on October 6.

Ma-Kalambay (right) claimed he was stopped from getting to Andy Driver's corner in the first place by a foul from Velicka. He said: "The guy in front of me pulled my shirt.

"He did a good job because the ref didn't see it but if you pull my jersey when I'm trying to move it's a foul."

The kid's howler had Hearts fans chanting his name and he admitted: "I heard them at the end but, hey, you can understand. It's a wonderful three points for them.

"Let them do just whatever they want at least they still know my name."

New Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen wasn't quite so philosophical but also refused to blame his keeper, pointing the finger at the rest of his back four for giving away the chance.

He sighed: "It wasn't an error but it was how the goal came about. We lost the vital header from a set-piece.

"It's not big Yves to blame as plenty of others have a responsibility.

"It was so disappointing. Our movement and passing weren't good enough in the first half. However, we dominated the second. Hearts weren't interested in playing after the break, they just defended their lead."

The Finn insists he'll be doing something to strengthen his side before the transfer window closes.

Ian Murray and John Rankin won't be the only fresh faces and Mixu added: "Ian handled the situation well and the free-kick by John near the end was fantastic.

"But we need to strengthen.

There are areas of the team that just aren't strong enough."