Keith Hackett fumes at Scottish FA for ‘discarding the law’ after controversial Celtic player news
The Scottish FA have made a mistake in failing to overturn Auston Trusty’s red card for Celtic against Hearts after a controversial VAR call saw him sent off on Sunday.
That is according to former FIFA referee Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Celtic have every right to be upset at the decision reached.
Hearts and Celtic played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Tynecastle on Sunday as they each handed Rangers a boost in the race to win the Scottish Premiership.
The Hoops were 2-1 up when centre-back Trusty was dismissed in the 77th minute for a denial of a goalscoring opportunity by referee Steven McLean after a VAR check.
Trusty was initially booked for his foul on Pierre Kabore, and Celtic chose to appeal the decision, but have seen their complaint turned away by the SFA.
Celtic lose Trusty red card appeal after Scottish FA hearing
Celtic boss Martin O’Neill insisted that the red card had a “major effect” on his players, both “psychologically and physically,” as they conceded late on and slipped two points behind Rangers in third.
They confirmed their decision to appeal the call earlier in the week, but their complaint has been thrown out after a Scottish FA hearing confirmed the verdict to uphold the red card call.
A statement by the association on Tuesday read: “Claim dismissed. Red card for sending off offence. A4 – Denying the opposing team or an opponent a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity as defined by Law 12, is re-imposed with immediate effect.“
Celtic hit back with their own statement, admitting that they have been left “very disappointed” by the decision and are set for further discussions with the SFA “to understand the rationale” behind it.
Keith Hackett admits Celtic are understandably ‘aggrieved’ by Trusty verdict
Hackett previously told Football Insider that Celtic will have felt confident about Trusty’s red being overturned due to a host of factors displaying that DOGSO criteria was not fulfilled.
They have not been successful in their appeal, however, and Hackett has now told Football Insider that the SFA have made a clear mistake.
He said: “I shudder for our game when those sitting on these disciplinary panels appear to discard the law.
“Celtic FC were correct in appealing the red card issued. The criteria for the Denial of an Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity was not fulfilled.
“Direction of play – the ball and the player was moving away from goal. The probability of controlling the ball – doubtful. Covering defender – an opportunity to put in a challenge if the play continued.
“The player sadly will be banned and Celtic have every right to be aggrieved by this decision.”