Hearts suffered a costly 1-0 defeat at St Mirren, with Craig Halkett sent off in the 29th minute for a reckless challenge near the penalty area. Manager Derek McInnes admitted the team were "playing with fire" after collecting their third red card in five matches.

Despite 10-man displays defeating both Dundee and St Mirren earlier this month, Hearts couldn't repeat the feat. Substitute Miguel Freckleton netted a dramatic 88th-minute header to hand St Mirren their first home win since October.

McInnes lamented poor decision-making leading to the dismissal and criticized his side's failure to clear the danger late on. The loss keeps Hearts six points ahead of Celtic and Rangers, who play midweek. Former players called the display "passive" and warned against repeated slips.

The team now face a swift turnaround, with a Highland Derby against Hibs on Tuesday. Halkett will serve a ban, leaving McInnes to reshuffle his defensive options.