Kilmarnock boss Allan Johnston admitted his team were an embarrassment as they suffered a 5-0 humiliation at Hearts.

But Jambos manager Gary Locke insisted the treatment dished out to his former team-mate by the Killie faithful was "disgraceful".

Ryan Stevenson netted a first-half hat-trick before Billy King and Callum Paterson added strikes after the break on a miserable day for the Ayrshire side.

They remain rooted in 11th place in the Scottish Premiership, a point behind Ross County, with two games left to save themselves from a relegation play-off.

But there was little sign of fight among the Kilmarnock players and their furious fans took aim at Johnston.

They held up a banner reading 'AJ out', while chanting the former Queen of the South boss was out of his depth.

"That was embarrassing," Johnston said. "In the position we're in we've got to show more desire."

Locke, meanwhile, an ex-Killie player and coach, defended his former team-mate.

Putting aside his delight at his own side's performance, Locke stood up for his friend Johnstone in his hour of need, saying: "The treatment he got today was a disgrace.

"Allan is a close friend of mine and a fantastic coach and manager.

"I really hope they get the results they need in the next two games because I spent seven years at the club and it's a great club with great supporters."