Celtic's Trusty Red Card Appeal Rejected as SFA Stands Firm on VAR Decision

Celtic have suffered a setback after Scottish football authorities rejected their appeal against defender Auston Trusty's controversial red card during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Hearts.

The incident occurred when Trusty challenged Hearts winger Pierre Landry Kabore in the 63rd minute at Tynecastle Park. Referee Steven McLean initially showed a yellow card before upgrading it to red following a VAR review, ruling the American defender had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.

"We're very disappointed with this outcome," a Celtic club statement read. "It's difficult to see how the original yellow card decision constituted a clear and obvious error."

The decision proved pivotal as league leaders Hearts capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Claudio Braga's late equalizer maintaining their six-point cushion over third-placed Celtic in the Scottish Premiership standings.

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Celtic manager Martin O'Neill vehemently disagreed with the dismissal, telling Sky Sports: "It's no more a red card than a blue card! The ball was moving away from goal and we had covering defenders."

Analysis from Sky Sports' Ref Watch panel added fuel to the debate. Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher called the decision "harsh," noting: "The player wasn't in possession and was moving away from goal." However, ex-striker Jay Bothroyd countered: "Kabore's pace could have created a shooting opportunity."

The ruling means Trusty will miss Celtic's upcoming match against Falkirk as the title race intensifies. The Parkhead club confirmed they will seek further clarification from the SFA regarding the decision-making process.

With Rangers now sitting second and Hearts maintaining their lead at the summit, the incident adds another layer of drama to Scotland's tight title race.