Heart of Midlothian can confirm Alan Forrest’s yellow card for simulation has been rescinded.
The forward was booked during the Jambos’ 2-2 draw with Ross County on December 30th, after being brought down inside the penalty area by the opposition goalkeeper.
Despite being VAR checked, the referee’s original decision stood. Today, at a tribunal hearing, that decision has been overturned.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, head coach Steven Naismith said; “I’m pleased for Alan. You will not meet a more honest player and his reputation has been restored.
“I am, however, still left bitterly disappointed by the whole situation. While we applaud the decision made by the tribunal, it merely confirms what we all knew at the time, that there was no dive and therefore it is not unreasonable to have expected a penalty award, giving us the opportunity to take a step towards winning the game and securing all three points.
“I have long been an advocate of VAR because it should ensure the right decisions are being made. On this occasion, and on others before it - away to Motherwell and at home to St Johnstone – and subsequently only two days ago at Livingston when pictures showed Lawrence Shankland having his jersey pulled over his head inside the opposition’s penalty box, VAR has failed to make the right decision.
“This is simply not acceptable and I will, once again, be seeking an explanation from the Head of Referee Operations as to why these decisions continue to be made to our detriment.”
