Celtic discover Auston Trusty Hearts appeal fate as transfer business concluded for striker

Trusty was dismissed by referee Steven McLean in the 77th minute at Tynecastle after denying Hearts forward Landry Kabore a clear and obvious goalscoring opportunity. McLean originally gave the American centre-half a yellow card, but upgraded it to a red following advice from VAR John Beaton to review his decision.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill labelled the incident “a blue card”, while Celtic captain Callum McGregor believed VAR should not have intervened on what he did not see as a clear and obvious error. The Premiership champions subsequently lodged an appeal on Monday, which was heard on Tuesday afternoon.

However, a Scottish FA hearing stuck with the verdict during the match and Trusty will now be suspended for Sunday’s league match at home to Falkirk. Celtic will now have to call upon either Dane Murray or Stephen Welsh to fill the void left by Trusty for the visit of John McGlynn’s in-form Bairns.

A statement from Celtic read: “Celtic's appeal over the red card shown to Auston Trusty in the draw against Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday has been dismissed, following a Scottish FA hearing today (Tuesday). Clearly we are very disappointed at the outcome of today’s appeal.

“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 15 games remaining in the season, Celtic sit third, six points behind Hearts and two behind second-placed Rangers.

Meanwhile, Celtic striker Shin Yamada has joined German club Preussen Munster on loan for the rest of the season The 25-year-old Japan forward signed from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale on a four-year deal last summer. However, Yamada has struggled to make the breakthrough at the Parkhead club, featuring only 11 times.

Munster play in 2. Bundesliga, where they sit in 15th place. Celtic announced Yamada’s move on their official X account, signing off with “Best of luck, Shin!”

The Parkhead club are being urged by fans to further bolster their squad before the transfer window closes. Celtic have made just two signings so far this month, with Mexico defender Julian Araujo and Czech Republic striker Tomas Cvancara both arriving on loan deals from Bournemouth and Borussia Monchengladbach respectively.