Celtic lodge appeal to SFA after red card vs Hearts as Hoops demand answers over Tynecastle flashpoint
The incident occurred in the second half of Sunday’s draw between Hearts and Celtic.
Celtic have demanded answers from the SFA as they appeal Auston Trusty’s red card against Hearts.
The Jambos held the current champions 2-2 in their latest Premiership match, keeping them top and four points clear of second-placed Rangers, as Celtic sit third and six away from Derek McInnes’ team. Hoops boss Martin O’Neill was unhappy at full-time after defender Trusty was sent off in the second half when his side were leading 2-1.
The American international brought down Hearts striker Pierre Landry Kabore and referee Steven McClean initially branded a yellow card. VAR referee, John Beaton, advised on another look at the incident and the match referee changed his mind. Celtic have now appealed the decision ahead of Sunday’s league clash against Falkirk, as Hearts travel to Dundee United this weekend.
Celtic appeal Auston Trusty red card vs Hearts
A statement from Celtic read: “We can confirm that Celtic Football Club will be submitting an appeal to the SFA in relation to the red card imposed on Auston Trusty, following the intervention of VAR during Sunday’s match at Tynecastle.”
O’Neill said post-match: “It was a tough game,. We took the lead early, which was great, but we knew that Hearts would come roaring back. They scored just after half-time which gets the crowd up for the game, and then we scored a magnificent second goal.
'I think the sending off had a major effect, certainly in the last 20 minutes. I’ve seen it back and it’s not a red card at all.' A couple of things – first of all, the ball’s not going directly towards goal so the player will have to come round and manoeuvre it to try and get a shot off. And the second thing is, we’ve got cover.
What has Derek McInnes said about Auston Trusty red card vs Hearts?
“The players are showing a great resolve and a great determination. It’s been a terrific effort by the team, I couldn’t commend them any more and we saw it through, but we’re still in this fight.”
Speaking directly after the game, McInnes said: “I've not seen it again. My take on it is, and I think what the fourth official said to me, is that they needed to be sure that Kabore would get a shot away. My thought was, ‘he's definitely going to get a shot away'. He broke the line. Celtic don't get red cards domestically. It was a bit of a shock when VAR turned it and made it a red. But for me it looked like a red-card offence.”
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher said on Monday’s edition of Sky Sports’ Ref Watch: “It’s really harsh to be honest. The law says DOGSO – the ‘O’ stands for obvious. I think this is ‘possible.’ I think the referee has got it right on field to be honest. If you look, the player is not in possession of the ball. He’s got to carry on after that ball. He’s moving away from goal. I think he will get the ball eventually but by the time he gets the ball, the defender will come across and he’ll be in the penalty area.”