Hearts have benefited from a ridiculous SFA rule relating to the suspension of Steven Naismith.
The former Scotland striker somehow escaped punishment from Bobby Madden for a brutal attack on Scott Brown last season but the incident was reviewed by the Compliance Officer. Madden also missed an attack on James Forrest’s ankles.
Naismith was offered a two match suspension which he accepted and sat out the final game of last season which Hearts lost 2-0 away to Kilmarnock.
Most suspensions apply in the competition that the offence is committed in but on this occasion the player was able to use up a Betfred Cup tie against Cove Rangers as part of his ‘punishment’.
Update: Notice of Complaint | Steven Naismith, Player, Heart of Midlothian FC
Thursday 10 May 2018
Alleged Party in Breach: Steven Naismith, Player, Heart of Midlothian FC
Match: Heart of Midlothian FC v Celtic FC
Date: 6 May 2018
Competition: SPFL Premiership
Disciplinary Rule allegedly breached: Disciplinary Rule 200 – No player shall commit offences in the Schedule of Offences in Annex C (such offences may be dealt with by a Fast Track Tribunal following CO Reference under the Protocol)
Principal hearing date: Friday 11 May 2018
Response date: Thursday 10 May 2018
Fixed offer of a 2 (two) match suspension accepted
Yesterday Naismith was upto his usual antics against Hamilton Accies picking up a booking and scoring from a penalty as Hearts won 4-1.
With his two match suspension completed the former Scotland striker can go into next week’s game against Celtic with the benefit of having played 90 minutes of SPFL Premiership action.
