Caley Thistle will look to have James Keatings’s dismissal against Rangers Colts yesterday overturned.
Keatings was given a second yellow for diving by Greg Aitken in the second half of their 2-1 Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup semi-final win, despite clear contact on the edge of the box.
Yellow cards can be appealed in Scottish football on two grounds: mistaken identity and simulation. Otherwise, Keatings would miss the final against Raith Rovers at the end of next month.
“It was a disgraceful decision,” said assistant manager Scott Kellacher. “You can tell by the way he’s fallen, you can tell by his reaction. But the referee has already made his mind up. Once Greg Aitken sees it back I’m sure he’ll have a different view on it.
“That’s where we’re hoping the TV footage can help. James could miss out on a cup final through a bad decision. Hopefully they can have a look at it and get it rescinded. The referee called it wrong and sometimes it happens.
🟨+🟨=🟥
DHETH! James Keatings air an dàrna chairt bhuidhe fhaighinn…
OFF! Keatings is given a second yellow…@ICTFC 1⃣@RFC_Youth 1⃣#BBCALBA pic.twitter.com/hYpK1hgltG— BBC ALBA (@bbcalba) February 16, 2020
“James is disappointed because he knows himself he’s going to get a shot at goal or a penalty. He ends up getting sent off the park.
“We’re trying to see what the situation is, if we can appeal it, as it’s two yellow cards. He is gutted.”
Keatings had earlier levelled the scores at the Caledonian Stadium, prior to Miles Storey popping up with the winner. Dapo Mebude had given the Rangers a sixth-minute lead.
The Caley Jags face a hectic period over the next two months, with several midweek and Friday night games, aswell as a Scottish Cup quarter-final against Hibernian.
Kellacher added: “The scheduling isn’t ideal but sometimes you’re better off playing games rather than training. But it keeps you going and hopefully we can get a bit of momentum.”
