Alex Cochrane's Celtic red card WON'T be appealed as Hearts 'decide against it' after reviewing footage

09.05.2023 - 15:33 dailyrecord.co.uk

Hearts have reportedly decided NOT to appeal Alex Cochrane's red card against Celtic - meaning he will miss their next two games against St Mirren and Rangers.

The left-back was initially booked by on-pitch whistler Nick Walsh for bringing down Daizen Maeda but Willie Collum on VAR recommended a review at the monitor and Walsh upgraded it on second viewing.

The decision sparked widespread debate over whether Cochrane denied a clear goalscoring opportunity and boss Steven Naismith slammed it after the game.

But now it is being widely reported that Hearts have decided not to appeal it and will allow him to serve a two-game ban instead.

Sporting Rangers as Alex Cochrane Willie Collum Nick Walsh Steven Naismith Scotland

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KEITH JACKSON: Nope. Billy Dodds will give it his best shot but Celtic got back into their stride on Saturday and when they’re in the mood there’s not a team in the top flight that can live with them, never mind the second tier. It’s a mission impossible for the Highlanders.CRAIG SWAN: Inverness need Celtic to be off it and the champions looked back in the mood against Aberdeen. You suspect an early goal from the favourites and a procession.SCOTT BURNS: It probably would be one of the biggest Scottish Cup final wins of all time if Inverness were to win. That is not being disrespectful to Inverness. They are a good Championship side but Celtic have been too good for the Premiership. I would expect Celtic to win by two or three.FRASER WILSON: It’s pretty close to mission impossible for the Caley Jags I’m afraid. Unless something major goes in their favour like an early red card for Celtic then there’s just too big a gulf in quality. Not that Billy Dodds will agree mind you, he’ll be saying the exact opposite, that it’s 11 v 11, and quite right too.

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