The KMI panel has sided with the Scottish FA and referee John Beaton over the decision to dismiss Celtic’s Auston Trusty.
The American centre-back was sent off during last weekend’s defeat to Hibernian after lashing out at Jamie McGrath. Referee Matthew McDermid initially judged the incident to be worth only a yellow card, but was directed to the pitchside monitor for a second look and subsequently upgraded his decision to a red card for violent conduct.
Trusty will now miss three Premiership matches as a result, beginning with Sunday’s Old Firm derby against Rangers at Ibrox. Martin O’Neill was furious when the club’s appeal was rejected, but the independent panel has concluded that the correct outcome was reached. The panel stated unanimously that the original on-field decision of no card was wrong, that VAR was right to recommend an on-field review, and that the red card for violent conduct was the correct call.
Celtic also felt aggrieved by a penalty claim that arose in the immediate aftermath of Trusty’s dismissal. Jack Iredale appeared to pull Liam Scales to the ground inside the box, but the appeal was waved away. On this point the panel was divided, with two members agreeing that the decision to award no penalty was correct, while one felt VAR should have intervened and a spot kick should have been given.
There was also controversy surrounding the conclusion of Rangers’ 2-2 draw at Livingston. Rangers had fought back from two goals down following Cristian Montano’s red card, and in stoppage time Mikey Moore was felled by Cammy Kerr as he shaped to shoot from the edge of the area. Referee Ryan Lee awarded nothing, and the match finished level. Replays confirmed the challenge took place outside the penalty area, but Rangers maintained it represented a clear goalscoring opportunity that warranted a dismissal.
On this occasion the panel was unanimous, agreeing that the on-field decision was incorrect, that VAR should have recommended an on-field review, and that a red card for denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity was the appropriate sanction.