Hearts striker Uche Ikpeazu suspended for key Premiership match against Celtic
Hearts striker Uche Ikpeazu is suspended for Celtic's visit to Tynecastle Park later this month.
The Englishman received his sixth Premiership yellow card of the season against Rangers on Sunday, triggering a ban which precludes him for the Celtic match on December 18.
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Hide AdScottish Football Association disciplinary rules state that an automatic one-game suspension comes into effect after a player is cautioned for the sixth time in the league.
The punishment takes effect 14 days after the booking is issued and the player then misses his club's first game following that date.
Ikpeazu was booked on Sunday, December 1, at Ibrox so his ban kicks in on Sunday, December 15 - meaning he must sit out the meeting with Celtic in Gorgie three nights later. The SFA have confirmed the suspension to the Evening News.
The game is one of six remaining fixtures this month for Hearts as they battle for points in an attempt to move away from the Premiership's relegation zone.
Ikpeazu has made 19 appearances for the club so far this season, scoring two goals.