Motherwell make Liam Gordon appeal decision after 'harsh' Celtic red card as defender free to face Rangers

Motherwell have decided against appealing Liam Gordon’s red card against Celtic.

Gordon was sent packing for only the second time in his career in injury time of the 3-0 defeat to the champions on Sunday after catching Adam Idah on the ankle with a late challenge. Ref David Dickinson initially booked the 28-year-old before upgrading the yellow card to red after a VAR intervention.

But Well boss Stuart Kettlewell claimed the decision was “harsh” and vowed to review the footage before making a decision on an appeal. Fir Park bosses have now looked back at the incident. And Kettlewell’s assistant Stevie Frail has confirmed there won’t be an appeal. Gordon now misses Wednesday’s trip to Dundee United and the home clash with St Johnstone on November 9. But new rules mean the defender is free to face Rangers in Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup semi final.

Frail said: “It was an unfortunate incident. Liam has played over 250 games and it’s only his second red card. His first one against Livingston was overturned.

"So he was upset with the decision. We looked at it. The tackle's gone in, he’s been given a red card and we lose him for two league games but the big thing for us is he’s available for Sunday.

“It was late in the game. Liam has made an attempt to get the ball. It looks like he’s at the length of his stretch to try and win it. Unfortunately he has caught him on his ankle. We have moved on from it and hopefully there’s no ill effects for the Celtic player.”