Hartley has no complaints about three-match ban

PAUL Hartley, the Hearts midfielder, yesterday admitted he had no cause for complaint after incurring an automatic one-match suspension from the SFA disciplinary committee for his off-the-ball kick at Celtic's Ross Wallace during the teams' stormy Premierleague fixture at Tynecastle on New Year's Day.

The Scotland international's offence, missed by match referee Iain Brines but later referred to the SFA's video review panel, was considered to be worthy of a straight red card by the disciplinary committee. This results in an immediate one-match ban, which Hartley will serve by sitting out this Saturday's Tennent's Scottish Cup fourth-round tie against Aberdeen.

In addition, the 12 disciplinary points Hartley collects for a red card means he goes through the 18-point threshold and earns a further two-game suspension, which takes effect in a fortnight. Hartley will therefore also miss Hearts' SPL fixtures at home to Motherwell on 18 February and away to Livingston on 4 March.

As he left yesterday's meeting at Hampden, the 29-year-old expressed his satisfaction at the result of the committee's deliberations. "I'm happy with the outcome," said Hartley. "I got a fair hearing. It's disappointing to miss games, but I don't really have any complaints."

Less satisfied yesterday was Billy Dodds, the former Dundee United assistant-manager, who was handed a one-match touchline ban on top of his automatic two-match suspension for his pitchside melee with Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood and coach Sandy Clark at the conclusion of the Scottish Cup tie at Tannadice on 7 January.

Dodds, now playing for Partick Thistle after losing his position with United after the sacking of Gordon Chisholm as manager, may appeal against yesterday's decision.

"I accept the two game ban, which was fair enough, but I think adding another match on is a bit severe," said Dodds.

Neither Calderwood or Clark attended yesterday's meeting and will learn of their punishments by letter.

Jim Jefferies, the Kilmarnock manager, received only a censure for his criticism of assistant referee Andy Davis following his team's 3-2 defeat by Rangers at Rugby Park on 11 December.

Taken from the Scotsman