It was hard to believe the official explanation of a 'cold' when everybody could see the Scotland keeper warming up beforehand in a short-sleeved shirt.
And the controversy continued. Vice-captain Paul Hartley, who had been given similar treatment last week, was not given the band with the captaincy handed instead to Christophe Berra
The home side started strongly but, despite United's pressure, it was Hearts who almost grabbed the lead in the 28th minute when Hartley's free-kick was flicked on for a certain goal by Marius Zaliukas only for a sensational stop from Derek Stillie to prevent the opener.
Almost immediately, United broke away for Collin Samuel to cross low for Craig Conway but he missed an open goal from six yards.
It was the visitors who grabbed the lead when they were given a penalty by the over-officious Charlie Richmond in the 53rd minute after Stuart Duff was penalised for handling the ball.
The defender was spotted blocking Panagiotis Fyssas' header and Hartley converted with a well-paced penalty just out Stillie's reach.