Exclusive: Appeal verdict after Hearts ace James Wilson’s red card vs Dundee Utd
Hearts have been sent an “interesting” message about potentially appealing the red card shown to James Wilson during their defeat to Dundee United by Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusivley told Football Insider he believes it was the correct decision to send the 18-year-old off, but that he could understand the club appealing where the outcome will rest on the make up of the panel.
Aston Villa and Leeds United were previously among those interested in Wilson, although the teenager has remained at Hearts where he has continued to impress.
However, the young striker endured a moment to forget as Neil Critchley‘s side were beaten 1-0 by Dundee United on Sunday (6 April).
James Wilson red card shocks Michael Stewart
With 38 minutes on the clock as the two sides clashed at Tynecastle, Wilson went in for a challenge with Dundee United ace Luca Stephenson.
The Hearts teenager was however late in the challenge, and caught his opponent on the shin with his studs.
That left Stephenson on the ground in apparent pain, while referee Nick Wash quickly showed a straight red card to Wilson.
It was a decision that left Michael Stewart shocked as he commentated on the game for Premier Sports, though Hackett believes Walsh made the right call, even if he admits an appeal could be worthwhile.
Keith Hackett deliver assessment on potential Hearts red card appeal
After being asked by Football Insider what he made of the decision to send Wilson off, Hackett said:
“What’s given the signal to the referee is the height of the foot off the ground. So that leading foot is at shin height. Had it been lower I think he might have got away with it.
“I think the referee’s made the right call. What you’ve got to understand is you’re not wanting the player put in hospital.
“The law is quite specific: excessive force, there is; endangers the safety of the opponent, yes it does; is there a degree of malice; hard to read. There’s enthusiasm, not malice.
| James Wilson Hearts first-team record | Total (as per Transfermarkt) |
| Appearances | 30 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 |
| Red Cards | 1 |
“For me I think the referee’s made the right call, because the signals are there that the player has gone slightly out of control. Is he in contact with the floor? Has he got the ability to stop?
“So it’s a closer red card, towards an appeal situation, but I think if they appeal it would be interesting. If the panel’s made up of ex-players there going to say it’s harsh.
“If it’s made up of referees they’re going to say the referee’s right, it’s one of those! An appeal on that red card would not be a frivolous appeal, it’s worthy of a challenge I think but I’m supporting the referee.”
Following that sending off, Sam Dalby‘s 67th minute strike would be enough to earn victory for Dundee United.
Wilson meanwhile is facing a two-match ban for Hearts, which could see him miss they’re Premiership clash with Motherwell and Scottish Cup semi final against Aberdeen.