Celtic lose appeal against Trusty red card

Celtic have had their appeal dismissed against Auston Trusty’s red card during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Scottish Premiership leaders Heart of Midlothian.

The United States centre-half brought down Hearts striker Pierre Landry Kabore with Celtic leading 2-1 and was originally shown a yellow card by referee Steven McLean.

But the video assistant referee (VAR) advised an on-field review and McLean deemed Trusty had denied a goalscoring opportunity, upgrading the yellow card to red.

That view has now been backed by a Scottish Football Association’s fast-track tribunal.

Hearts went on to equalise through Claudio Braga and earned a draw that maintained their six-point lead over the defending champions.

Interim Celtic manager Martin O’Neill insisted afterwards that Trusty should not have been dismissed.

“I’ve seen it back and I have to say I don’t see it,” said the Northern Irishman.

“Maybe I’ve been out of the game too long or have misread the rules. But, first of all, the ball that’s played is going away from goal and we have a man round on the cover.