Pressure on the Rangers manager, Philippe Clement, had intensified following the dismal Scottish Cup home defeat to Championship side Queen’s Park last Sunday, but his side got a break in the 20th minute when defender McCart could do little about putting the ball into his own net from Ianis Hagi’s cross.
As Hearts came back again, Butland made further saves from Steinwender, Kabangu and substitute Sander Kartume before McCart again put the ball into his own net, trying to stop the Gers substitute Cyriel Dessers from latching on to a Hagi pass.
Cerny made no mistake when Igamane’s drive came off Adam Forrester and into his path, dispatching the ball past Gordon – with the home fans still complaining about a penalty appeal ignored seconds earlier when Gers defender Nsiala clashed with James Wilson inside the box.
Hearts tried to hit straight back but Butland twice denied Kabangu, then tipped over a dipping volley from Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland.
The Austrian defender Michael Steinwender scored his first Hearts goal on his home debut to equalise, heading in from a corner in the 49th minute.
