Auston Trusty red card: Celtic to appeal dismissal at Hearts following draw in Scottish Premiership clash
Celtic's Auston Trusty was initially booked for his challenge on Hearts' Pierre Landry Kabore but that punishment was upgraded after a VAR check; Celtic manager Martin O'Neill disagreed and the club are now appealing; the Scottish FA confirms a hearing will take place on Tuesday
Monday 26 January 2026 18:46, UK
Celtic will appeal the red card shown to Auston Trusty during Sunday's 2-2 draw at Hearts.
The defender was initially booked by referee Steven McLean for his tackle on Pierre Landry Kabore, who tried to get on the end of a through ball.
However, the VAR (video assistant referee) advised an on-field review and McLean then decided Trusty had denied Hearts a goalscoring opportunity, and the player was sent off.
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Hearts took full advantage late on as they equalised through Claudio Braga to earn a draw against the champions.
That result saw Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts remain six points clear of Celtic, who drop to third, with Rangers now second and four points off the summit.
The Scottish FA has confirmed a hearing over Celtic's appeal will take place on Tuesday.
O'Neill: Trusty challenge was a blue card!
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match at Tynecastle Park, Celtic manager Martin O'Neill said: "The controversial moment, I must admit, was the red card.
"It's no more a red card than a blue card [a proposed 10-minute sin-bin]!
"First of all, the ball was going away from goal, second of all, we had a player covering. As far as I remember, if you're going away from goal, it's not a red card.
"The sending off had a major effect, psychologically and physically.
"We're still in the competition [title race]. Simple as that. We've given ourselves ground to catch up from, but we're still there."
Ref Watch: Trusty dismissal 'harsh'
Speaking on Ref Watch on Sky Sports News, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher disagreed with the punishment handed to Trusty.
"I think it is really harsh", he said. "The law says DOGSO (Denying an Obvious Goalscoring Opportunity) and the O is obvious.
"I think the referee on the field gets it right because the player is not in possession of the ball.
"He has a bit to go to get the ball and he's moving away from goal. He will get the ball eventually but I think the covering defender will get across."
Former striker Jay Bothroyd added on Ref Watch: "It's a possible goalscoring opportunity.
"The player is rapid, and his next touch will take him towards goal.
"I believe he would have got a shot off."
