Hartson wins red card appeal

CELTIC'S appeal against John Hartson's red card last Sunday has been successfully overturned by an SFA disciplinary panel and the Welsh striker will now be available for The Bhoys clash against Hearts on Saturday and more importantly, the Scottish Cup final next month.

Hartson was facing a three-match ban after being sent off for violent conduct at the end of the 1-1 Old Firm derby draw against Rangers at Parkhead but video footage reviewed by the disciplinary panel helped in his appeal and his suspension was overturned.

Referee Kenny Clark showed the fiery Welshman a straight red, along with team-mate Johan Mjallby and Rangers' Fernando Ricksen, when a melee between both sets of players broke out in the away side's goalmouth on the stroke of full-time.

The ugly end-of-match scenes marred an Old Firm derby that was evenly played and had little incident until the late bust-up.

Hartson's successful appeal will be a boost to Martin O'Neill's side, as they face their arch-rivals in the Scottish Cup final, with The Bhoys going for a league and cup double.