Compliance officer to review tackle by Hearts' Steven Naismith on Celtic's Scott Brown

The Scottish Football Association will review footage of Steven Naismith's tackle on Scott Brown and could issue the Hearts striker with a two-game ban.
Steven Naismith's tackle on Scott Brown will come under SFA scrutinySteven Naismith's tackle on Scott Brown will come under SFA scrutiny
Steven Naismith's tackle on Scott Brown will come under SFA scrutiny

SFA compliance officer Tony McGlennan is to study the incident, which took place early on during Sunday's meeting between Hearts and Celtic at Tynecastle Park. Naismith tackled Brown around the groin area and he was left writhing on the ground.

Should the SFA decide to issue Naismith a notice of complaint, the most likely scenario would be a two-game suspension for violent conduct.

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No action is expected to be taken before Hearts face Hibs on Wednesday, however. The Evening News has learned that any ban incurred by Naismith would not take effect until Hearts play Kilmarnock on Sunday at Rugby Park.

That would leave the Scotland internationalist sidelined for the final game of the season and, potentially, the first League Cup tie in July should he return to Tynecastle on loan from Norwich City.

Alternatively, the SFA could decide to hand Naismith a yellow card if they feel the challenge does not merit a retrospective red.