Rallying cry from Levein

Many Hearts fans are against the sale of Tynecastle

Hearts manager Craig Levein is calling for unity among supporters ahead of the Uefa Cup first round, first leg against Braga next week at Murrayfield.

Fans are planning further protests against the board at Sunday's game with Rangers over the sale of Tynecastle.

Uefa regulations mean the tie with the Portuguese club must be played away from the club's historic home.

"I want to try and make supporters aware that this is a different issue to the sale of Tynecastle," said Levein.

Talking to the club's website, Levein added: "The reality is we cannot play the game at Tynecastle, even though we would love to.

"It would be great for me and the team if, at least, as many people who would be coming to Tynecastle could come to this game so that all thoughts of everything else are put aside so we have the best opportunity to take a result to Braga.

"I would dearly like to get through to give everyone the opportunity to see more European football this season.

"People have the right to protest if that is what they feel strongly about.

"From my point of view, we have to play this game somewhere whether it be Murrayfield or somewhere else.

"Murrayfield is as good as any from the point of this European tie. I just ask everybody to get behind the team, to make as much noise as possible to help us get to the next round."