Celtic seek 'further discussions' with SFA after failing to have controversial red card overturned

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 28 Jan 2026 06:27 CST
• 5 min read

Nieuws

Celtic will seek further clarification on why Auston Trusty was sent off in the weekend's top-of-the-table clash with Hearts.

With Celtic leading 2-1 at Tynecastle in the Scottish Premiership fixture on Sunday, Trusty was sent off in the 77th minute for supposedly denying Pierre Landry Kabore a goalscoring opportunity after the pair's legs became tangled with the American as the last man.

If the red card was given right away, there may not have been as much uproar from The Hoops, but Trusty was initially given a yellow card by referee Steven McLean. He was subsequently told to check the VAR monitor by official John Beaton and it was thereafter that he produced the red card.

Celtic are upset as not only do they believe the challenge didn't warrant a red card, but that McLean's initial decision was not a clear and obvious error as stipulated by VAR rulings.

🗣️ "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

"Clearly we are very disappointed at the outcome," the club said on their website.

"The VAR protocol requires that VAR only intervenes when there is a 'clear and obvious error'.

"It is difficult to see how the original yellow card decision is a clear and obvious error and, accordingly, VAR's intervention by the refereeing team was not consistent with the rules.

"We await the written judgement, but will be ensuring further discussions with the SFA on the matter as we seek to understand the rationale for this and other decisions."

With Celtic down to 10 men, Hearts went on to equalise through Claudio Braga as the league leaders maintained their six-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Celtic boss Martin O'Neill does not believe Trusty should have been dismissed, either.

"I've seen it back and I have to say I don't see it," said the veteran manager.

"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.

"It is not a red card. It is gone now, but it played a massive part."

What is the VAR ruling?

As per the International Football Association board, the VAR ruling stipulates that:

1. A video assistant referee (VAR) is a match official, with independent access to match footage, who may assist the referee only in the event of a ‘clear and obvious error’ or ‘serious missed incident’ in relation to:

a. Goal/no goal

b. Penalty/no penalty

c. Direct red card (not second yellow card/caution)

d. Mistaken identity (when the referee cautions or sends off the wrong player of the offending team)

2. The referee must always make a decision, i.e. the referee is not permitted to give ‘no decision’ and then use the VAR to make the decision; a decision to allow play to continue after an alleged offence can be reviewed.

3. The original decision given by the referee will not be changed unless the video review clearly shows that the decision was a ‘clear and obvious error’.

4. Only the referee can initiate a ‘review’; the VAR (and other match officials) can only recommend a ‘review’ to the referee.

5. The final decision is always taken by the referee, either based on information from the VAR or after the referee has undertaken an ‘on-field review’ (OFR).

6. There is no time limit for the review process as accuracy is more important than speed.

7. The players and team officials must not surround the referee or attempt to influence if a decision is reviewed, the review process or the final decision.

8. The referee must remain ‘visible’ during the review process to ensure transparency.

9. If play continues after an incident which is then reviewed, any disciplinary action taken/required during the post-incident period is not cancelled, even if the original decision is changed (except a caution/sending-off for stopping or interfering with a promising attack or DOGSO).

10. If play has stopped and been restarted, the referee may not undertake a ‘review’ except for a case of mistaken identity or for a potential sending-off offence relating to violent conduct, spitting, biting or extremely offensive, insulting and/or abusive action(s).

11. The period of play before and after an incident that can be reviewed is determined by the Laws of the Game and VAR protocol.

12. As the VAR will automatically ‘check’ every situation/decision, there is no need for coaches or players to request a ‘review’.

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