Kilmarnock's Frazer Wright has hit back at claims by Hearts' Christian Nade that he insulted his family during the Ayrshire side's 3-1 win on Saturday.
Nade was sent off after kicking out at Wright, and the defender said: "I wouldn't have said that - he's just making excuses for what he did.
"I hadn't even heard of him until he signed for Hearts so it's over the top.
"I'm disappointed at what he's said but I suppose that's what we have come to expect from Hearts players these days."
Nade apologised to the Tynecastle club's fans for his red card, and said: "It was just sheer stupidity from me and it cost us dearly in the game as it was 0-0 when it happened.
"My father has been unwell in a Paris hospital with a heart problem.
"And, when their player insulted my family, I just lost control. I know this is not an excuse for my actions."
Nade will serve an automatic one-match ban when Hearts face Celtic in the CIS Insurance Cup quarter-final in Glasgow.
"I have never done anything like that before on the pitch and I felt so stupid," he told Hearts' website.
"I don't know what was going through my hed at the time and what I did upset me greatly and I have to make sure it doesn't happen again."