The small plane had a banner calling for the sacking of Hearts manager Robbie Neilson

A small group, believed to be Hearts supporters, paid for the stunt. The plane went across the Tynecastle prior to kick-off with the message “No style no bottle Neilson out!”.

Sections of the Hearts support have voiced their dissatisfaction in recent weeks following the defeat to Hibernian in the Scottish Cup.

Hearts have since given Neilson a new two-and-a-half-year contract as a reward for his efforts in leading the club to the Ladbrokes Championship title in his first season and setting a course for Europe with the team currently in third place.

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Fans inside the ground, many of whom were perplexed by the stunt, started chanting “there’s only one Robbie Neilson” in opposition to the banner’s message.