Hibernian defender McCormack and Hearts midfielder Palazuelos were sent off in the 1-1 Clydesdale Bank Premier League draw for exchanging headbutts shortly before the hour mark.

Mayhem then ensued when Palazuelos tried to continue the spat into the tunnel before manager Csaba Laszlo stepped in to restrain him while Hibs chief John Hughes also had angry words with the Spaniard on the touchline before the situation calmed down.

"He wouldn't win a fight in a chip shop by the way," said Hughes.

"He tried to get down the tunnel to try to get Darren.

"But the Hearts boys were in and I got myself over as well to tell him to calm down, cool his his jets."

Hughes was also angry with McCormack, who he had handed his first start in more than three months today.

"I'm disappointed with the sending off of young Darren," he said.

"Because of all the things you're saying about your emotions, 'Control your emotions; don't get carried away with it; make sure we finish with 11 on the park'.

"He was the one that retaliated. But he'll learn from that."

Laszlo claimed he did not see the incident that led to the double dismissal but said: "I am always angry if a player from my team - for indiscipline - gets a red card, even if he's provoked.

"I think you must keep your coolness, especially in these derby games and you must start a battle."

He added: "We don't close our eyes on the club, internally.

"Ruben is normally a very disciplined player.

"You have emotion but you must also have self-discipline."

Of his own intervention, he said: "We managers must have the personality to calm the player down."

Hearts held a half-time lead thanks to a fine volley from 18-year-old Gordon Smith, who earned a place in Tynecastle folklore by scoring on his SPL debut.

Hibs levelled after the break when Anthony Stokes headed in his 11th goal of the season.

Hughes said: "First half, I felt we were the better side, had one or two half-chances. We never took them.

"I felt Hearts scored against the run of play.

"But even at half-time, I wasn't too concerned; it was just a case of keep doing what we're doing but do it better.

"I've seen Hearts three or four times; they don't give much away and usually when they score they shut up shop.

"The boys dug it out so I'm delighted for them."

Hughes handed a debut to new goalkeeper Graeme Smith, confirming Graham Stack (back) and Yves Ma-Kalambay had both aggravated injuries.

Laszlo revealed Gordon Smith would not have played had fellow youngster Scott Robinson been fit.

Describing the teenager's goal as "fantastic", he added: "For this guy, it's a second Christmas.

"The first, he got a gift from his parents.

"Now he gave a gift to himself."

Despite Smith's feat, Laszlo remains adamant Hearts need to bolster their attacking options this month.

He is desperate to complete a loan move for Plymouth's Steven MacLean but said he is unlikely to take a "risk" on Izale McLeod due to concerns about a knee problem the Charlton forward is believed to have.

He added: "To give confidence for the young guys, you need somebody with experience.

"Just to have somebody on the bench and to send them on and you know 100% they are not as good as those on the field, this is not professional, this is just names and numbers."