Hearts midfielder Marc Leonard will miss Saturday’s home match against Motherwell due to a red card sustained during a recent game against Livingston, which was upheld by a Scottish FA fast-track panel.
The 24-year-old, currently on loan from Birmingham City, received the red card in stoppage time of Sunday’s 2-2 draw after a deliberate foul on Robbie Muirhead near the halfway line to stop him from breaking free.
Despite Hearts lodging an appeal, the tribunal agreed with referee Kevin Clancy’s decision to dismiss Leonard.
Earlier on Wednesday, Hearts head coach Derek McInnes argued that the incident did not constitute a “clear and obvious opportunity” for Livingston to score in the dying moments of the match.
“The Livingston player was still in his own half, and there was a considerable distance to cover,” he explained.
“Jamie McCart had some advantage in the same area and was likely to catch up before Robbie could take a clean shot on goal.
“Moreover, Jordi Altena’s position was crucial; as he was cutting across at an angle, I highly doubt that Robbie would have had the pace or ability to get a clear run at the goal without needing to bypass one of our defenders.”
“This, for me, eliminates the notion of a clear and obvious opportunity. While I acknowledge it could still become a chance for Livingston, he wouldn’t have had an unimpeded path to the goal.”