Ex-FIFA ref explains chance of Celtic’s appeal of Auston Trusty’s red card being successful

Celtic played out a 2-2 draw with Hearts on Sunday in a game full of controversial moments.

With both sides battling for the Scottish Premiership title, the result could have a massive impact come the end of the season.

Hearts will have felt aggrieved that they weren’t awarded a penalty against Celtic for Liam Scales’ reckless challenge on Harry Milne.

However, perhaps the most contentious moment was Auston Trusty’s red card at Tynecastle, with Hearts later equalising after the Hoops went down to 10 players.

Now, Martin O’Neill’s side have lodged an appeal to the SFA as they hope to get the decision overturned.

We can confirm that Celtic Football Club will be submitting an appeal to the SFA in relation to the red card imposed on Auston Trusty, following the intervention of VAR during Sunday’s match at Tynecastle. pic.twitter.com/XwwMZGO1fH— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 26, 2026

Keith Hackett: Auston Trusty’s red card should be overturned

Celtic confirmed on 26 January that they have appealed to have Trusty’s red card overturned.

The defender was originally given a yellow card for a challenge on Pierre Landry Kabore as he pulled the Hearts man down.

However, VAR review eventually saw this upgraded to a red card, a decision that allowed the Jam Tarts to get back into the game.

🚨 Celtic are appealing the red card given to Auston Trusty during yesterday’s 2-2 draw at Hearts.

Do you think it was the correct decision? ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/H8XmPQk9vz— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 26, 2026

Now, after appealing the decision, Keith Hackett has exclusively told Football Insider that he expected Celtic to win the appeal.

He said: “They should be successful if they stick to the Law criteria for the Denial of an obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity

“The probability to control the ball, the direction of play and consideration of the movement of defenders.

“With the latest AI, they should be in a position to provide drawings and data of speed profiles to support their case.”

Celtic end long run without a red card in the Scottish Premiership

While Celtic have a poor disciplinary record in Europe, it is actually rare for them to pick up a red card in the Scottish Premiership.

Their red card against Hearts on Sunday was their first in the Scottish Premiership for 87 domestic games.

In fact, their previous sending off in Scotland before this was also against Hearts, when Yang Hyun-jun was sent off during a 2-0 defeat in March 2024.

Therefore, Celtic will feel pretty aggrieved that this run came to an end on Sunday in controversial circumstances, especially as it helped to damage their title hopes in the process.

Hopefully, the appeal will be a success, which can help them win points going forward.

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