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 midfielder smashed the ball off the 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 the lucrative Europa League qualification spots.