HEARTS have been rocked by the news that defender Alan Maybury is banned for Saturday’s league clash with Rangers at Tynecastle following a blunder by the Scottish Football Association.

The Republic of Ireland player was supposed to have served the last of a two-match suspension against Dunfermline at the weekend.

But, due to a clerical error by the SFA, the former Leeds United man slipped through the net and was able to play a key role for the Jambos in the 1-1 draw at East End Park.

Maybury was hit by the ban after his recent sending-off at Livingston, Hearts having been unsuccessful in their appeal to the authorities to have the straight red card following the Irishman’s challenge on David Fernandez overturned.

Although he served his automatic one-match suspension a few days later against Celtic at Parkhead and then returned to the team to take on Inverness Caley Thistle in the Tennent’s Scottish Cup, the additional ban did not come to light until 24 hours before Hearts were due to make the trip to Fife.

The SFA have acknowledged their mistake, indicating it came about as a result of a changeover of the computer system at their Hampden Park headquarters.

Because the Gorgie club was a totally innocent party in the confusion, the SFA decided not to invoke the ban at such short notice, thus allowing Maybury to play at Dunfermline.

However, a letter has arrived at Tynecastle indicating that the player must now complete the suspension when Alex McLeish brings his Rangers side to the Capital for this weekend’s meeting which is being screened live on Sky Sports (kick-off 5.35pm).

"The dismissal against Livingston took the player through the threshold and meant he had to serve a two-match ban," said a spokesperson for the SFA.

"However, due to a hiccup in the computer system this only came to light at the end of last week.

"We had two systems up and running at the same time and it wasn’t noticed until Friday afternoon. But because it wasn’t any fault of Hearts we didn’t want to disrupt their preparations for the game at Dunfermline at such short notice.

"Alan Maybury therefore still has one game of his suspension to serve and will now do so when Hearts play Rangers on Saturday at Tynecastle."

Levein admitted it was a blow to learn he will have to do without the services of the former Elland Road ace.

"It appears Alan should have missed the game against Dunfermline," said Levein.

"We have been informed by the SFA that he will now have to complete a two-match ban this weekend.

"It is not ideal, but we will just get on with things and prepare accordingly for Saturday."

Taken from the Scotsman