Hearts, whose owner Vladimir Romanov threatened to sell all his players if they failed to beat Dunfermline in the SPL yesterday, drew 1-1 as they struggled to overcome the pre-match controversy.
Bosnian Andrius Velicka slotted in the opening goal after 11 minutes following a blunder by Dunfermline goalkeeper Rod McKenzie in their Premier League clash. However, managerless Dunfermline levelled with a Jim Hamilton goal in the 48th minute.
Second-placed Hearts now have 21 points from 12 games while leaders Celtic, with 28 from 11, play at Kilmarnock today.
Rangers are third with 19 points from 12 games after being held to a 1-1 draw by visitors Motherwell.