Hearts coach David Duncan has explained goalkeeper Tetteh Luggard was replaced at half-time against Hasaacas to satisfy boo-boys at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Luggard is not the favourites of the Hearts fans due to his inconsistent displays in the Ghana Premier League.
He was blamed by the partisan crowd for conceding a 'cheap' goal in the 36th minute after Hearts had gone ahead in the 18th minute.
He was substituted by Philemon McCarthy at the beginning of the second half.
''We are playing for the fans and if a player is not enjoying the backing of the fans then he must be substituted to save him from further attack," Duncan explained in a post-match conference.
"Keeping him in the post was like sacrificing him. He was already down and the only way to save him was to compel him to take an early shower.
"These are professionals who are not bothered by who is starting or who is staying on the bench. They understand the game and approach everything in a professional way.â€
Luggard was severely criticized for his unconvincing displays in the shaky 3-2 win at Inter Allies last Sunday.