Andrew Irving in action against Cove Rangers last week.
Hearts have been docked two points for fielding an ineligible player against Cove Rangers in the Betfred Cup.
At an SPFL tribunal on Monday afternoon, the Jambos were handed the punishment after Andrew Irving, whose registration had not been updated, came on as a substitute against the Highland League champions.
In addition to the points deduction, which takes Hearts from five points to three in the group led by Caley Thistle and Cowdenbeath, they have also been fined £10,000, of which £8,000 is suspended until the end of next season.
Hearts won the game 2-1 at Cove’s Balmoral Stadium but announced the following day admitted that an administrative error had led to Irving, who had signed a contract extension in January but it was not loaded on to the Scottish FA’s online registration system at the time, entered the field as an unregistered player.
Craig Levein’s side play Cowdenbeath at Tynecastle tomorrow night before playing their final group game at home to Inverness on Sunday.
Cove Rangers finish their cup campaign at home to Raith Rovers on Saturday.
Hearts docked two points for fielding ineligible player against Cove Rangers
