Auston Trusty was dismissed during a dramatic 2-2 draw between Celtic and Hearts on Sunday, a decision that played a major role in a pulsating Premiership contest.
Celtic arrived at Tynecastle knowing victory was essential if they were to cut the gap on league leaders Hearts, but their push fell short late on. Benjamin Nygren fired the visitors in front with an early free kick before the hosts responded after half time, as Stuart Findley headed home the equaliser.
New signing Tomas Cvancara made an instant impression just days after joining the club. The forward set up Hyun-Jun Yang to restore Celtic’s advantage and put Martin O’Neill’s side back in control.
With Lawrence Shankland absent, Hearts lacked a cutting edge for long periods but eventually made their pressure count. Claudio Braga struck in the 87th minute to level the match against a Celtic side reduced to ten men.
Trusty had endured an uncomfortable afternoon even before his sending off. A heavy touch in the first half gifted Alexandros Kiziridis a clear run on goal, though Kasper Schmeichel stood firm to deny the winger.
There was no reprieve in the second half when Trusty brought down Pierre Landry Kabore as he broke forward. Referee Steven McLean initially showed a yellow card, but after a VAR review the punishment was upgraded to a straight red.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has since questioned that intervention. Speaking to Football Insider, he said VAR should not have become involved and that McLean’s original decision was the correct one.
Hackett explained that a denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity requires several factors to be met, including the distance to goal, the direction of play, the likelihood of the attacker controlling the ball and the presence of covering defenders. In his view, the move was heading away from goal and another defender was likely to recover, meaning the offence did not justify a dismissal.
O’Neill also made his feelings clear after the final whistle. The Celtic boss said the referee’s initial call was based on the ball moving away from goal and the fact there was defensive cover in place. He felt the VAR review changed the game, leaving his side under intense pressure for the closing stages as Hearts pushed for and eventually found an equaliser.