Celtic have confirmed they will appeal Auston Trusty’s red card from Sunday’s defeat to Hibernian at Easter Road, and I suspect most people who watched the incident will understand why. The centre back was dismissed for violent conduct with 15 minutes remaining after VAR intervened over an incident involving Hibs midfielder Jamie McGrath during a corner.
The American defender appeared to make contact with McGrath’s arm, which referee Matthew MacDermid initially waved play on for before the VAR officials intervened. What followed was a red card that many observers felt was harsh at best and outright wrong at worst.
Celtic’s statement was firm: “Celtic FC can confirm that we will be submitting an appeal to the SFA in relation to the red card imposed on Auston Trusty during yesterday’s match. The club believes that the player was wrongfully dismissed and that the decision was reached following VAR intervention.”
Ten man Celtic could not hold out for a draw in Edinburgh, with Kai Andrews scoring the winner for Hibs. The result leaves Celtic falling further behind Hearts and Rangers in what has become an increasingly chaotic title race since Brendan Rodgers’ departure.
VAR was supposed to correct obvious errors. Whether it did so on this occasion is very much up for debate. The appeal process will determine Trusty’s availability for upcoming fixtures, and given the tight margins at the top of the Premiership table, Celtic cannot afford to be without their centre back due to what they clearly regard as a wrong call.
