Caley Thistle’s appeal against James Keatings’ second yellow card for diving in Sunday’s Challenge Cup semi-final win over Rangers Colts has been rejected by the Scottish FA.
Despite video evidence appearing to show the striker was fouled on the edge of the box by Rangers’ Ciaran Dickson, referee Greg Aitken judged Keatings guilty of simulation, gave him a second booking and dismissed him.
The sending off, below, was televised on BBC Alba and sparked a furious reaction from onlookers.
🟨+🟨=🟥
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
In Scotland, yellow cards can be appealed in cases where the offence is diving or when club’s allege mistake identity.
However, Inverness’ attempt to have the booking overturned have been unsuccessful.
The striker, who scored Caley Thistle’s equaliser in a 2-1 win, will now miss the Challenge Cup final, with the furious Caledonian Stadium outfit suggesting the matter is not over on their social media channels and website:
The club can confirm that it has lost the appeal against James Keatings' booking and subsequent red card on Sunday, in the Tunnocks Caramel Wafer Cup Semi-Final.
A further statement on this matter will follow later today
👉 https://t.co/iWONiOCLwY pic.twitter.com/cvBlFalGp3
— Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC (@ICTFC) February 19, 2020
The original decision sparked a rant from sports writer Callum Law on yesterday’s Northern Goal podcast, which you can listen to below:
👀👀👀👀👀👀 … https://t.co/OdlKCqwi09
— P&J Sport (@PandJSport) February 19, 2020
