Celtic hit out at SFA over 'surprise' Yang red card appeal KO as VAR row escalates

Celtic have insisted they were "surprised" that the SFA knocked back their appeal of Yang's red-card during the clash with Hearts.

The winger was giving his marching orders in the Scottish Premiership champions 2-0 defeat to Steven Naismith's side for catching Alex Cochrane in the face with a high boot. Referee Don Robertson had initially booked the South Korean attacker but was urged to have a second look on the pitchside monitor by John Beaton in the VAR room. Whistler Robertson then upgraded the yellow card to a red.

Brendan Rodgers was left fuming at the full-time whistle as he branded the officiating "awful" officiating and singled out the performance of Beaton for criticism. The club also stated they were writing to the SFA to express their concerns over the display by the men in the middle in the capital while Celtic took there issues to Hampden.

They have now seen the fast-track appeal dismissed with Yang facing a two-game ban following the flashpoint on Sunday. A club spokesperson said: “We have received notification that the club's claim has been dismissed. Clearly we are surprised and extremely disappointed at this decision.”

Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.

You can also follow our dedicated Rangers and Celtic podcast pages and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We've also entered the world of WhatsApp with our Rangers community and Celtic community up and running. Follow NOW to get your club's latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone.