A waterlogged pitch led to the postponement of Hearts-Partick

Hearts' Ladbrokes Premiership match against Partick was postponed on Saturday after the Tynecastle pitch failed an early-afternoon inspection.

The game, due to begin at 3pm, was called off less than two hours before kick-off after a sudden flurry of sleet and snow.

Hearts announced on their official website: "Today's Ladbrokes Premiership match between Hearts and Partick Thistle has been postponed.

"Referee Bobby Madden inspected the pitch moments ago and judged it to be waterlogged, hence the match being called off."

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson said he and his team were disappointed about the postponement but accepted that the officials did not have a choice.

He told the cub's website: "It's obviously very frustrating to have the game called off.

"Everyone here wanted the game on, and the groundstaff worked tirelessly to achieve that.

"We wanted to carry on the momentum from our great win at Dingwall (3-0 over Ross County on Wednesday).

"However, the pitch was waterlogged, and the referee made the right call, as it would've been too dangerous to try and play it.

"We'll now head off for training and begin our preparations for Tuesday night's Scottish Cup game against Hibs."

However, Hearts came in for criticism from supporters of both clubs after the postponement was announced, having earlier pledged the match would definitely go ahead.

At 11.08am, the Edinburgh club said on Twitter: "Folks, there's no pitch inspection planned this afternoon - very much game on here at Tynecastle!"