Celtic’s appeal to have Auston Trusty’s red card at Hearts overturned failed as the SFA threw out the request.
Trusty was red-carded after a VAR review by John Beaton forced match referee Steven McLean to overturn his original yellow to a sending off.
Celtic released a statement to the supporters about appealing the decision after the call led to Celtic dropping two points in the Bhoys’ draw at Hearts.
Celtic’s appeal over Auston Trusty’s red card is thrown out. What do you think? Fair?
Celtic’s appeal over red card shown to Auston Trusty is dismissed.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 27, 2026
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Celtic fans on TalkingPoints were absolutely fuming and vented about Beaton’s intervention with many calling out the injustice.
And now that the club have confirmed the appeal was dismissed, here is what the SFA released in a statement on their website.
Photo by Malcolm Mackenzie/Getty ImagesThe SFA inform Celtic of Law 12 as red card claim is dismissed
The SFA quickly threw out Celtic’s red card appeal and have told the club to pay a fine for their trouble.
In a short statement on their official web page under the governance and disciplinary section, the national association outlines their reasons.
The statement on the SFA website said, “Claim dismissed. Red card for sending off offence A4 – Denying the opposing team or an opponent a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity as defined by Law 12, is re-imposed with immediate effect.
“£650 Appeal Deposit to be paid within 30 days.”
So let’s take a look at Law 12 over at IFAB and see exactly what it says.
Why the SFA Celtic decision just does not make sense
The IFAB rules are what every association in world football must abide by. So looking at Law 12, here is why the SFA decision doesn’t make sense.
🗣️ “I think this is really harsh… the referee has got it right on field.”
🗣️ “It’s a possible goalscoring opportunity.”
Ref Watch takes a look at Auston Trusty’s red card in Celtic’s 2-2 draw with Hearts in the Scottish Premiership ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/yj99ADmVIP
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 26, 2026
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For the rule of DOGSO [Denying a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity] to be applied effectively, there are four conditions that ‘must‘ be looked at.
distance between the offence and the goalgeneral direction of the playlikelihood of keeping or gaining control of the balllocation and number of defenders
The distance between the offence and the goal was at least 35-40 yards, the general direction of the play was heading away from the goal and towards the corner flag.
The likelihood of gaining control of the ball was probably high, but Kabore was moving away from goal with Dane Murray closing in.
It will be interesting to hear what the SFA tell Celtic now after the club said they will be seeking further clarification.
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