Aberdeen missed out on the opportunity to boost their chances of qualifying for Europe after being held to a goalless draw by 10-man Hearts.

Marius Zaliukas, who was sent off the last time he played at Pittodrie back in December, added another red card to his growing collection for an off-the-ball kick at Chris Maguire after 64 minutes.

Jamie Smith should have given the Dons all three points but the Dons midfielder smashed the ball off a post with the goal gaping after Marian Kello had parried a Maguire effort.

The draw means Hearts remain five points ahead of the Dons in the race to secure one of the two lucrative Europa League qualification spots.