The Scottish FA will look at Caley Thistle’s appeal over James Keatings’ second booking in their Challenge Cup semi-final again – after the initial decision to uphold the yellow card for simulation was ruled invalid.
A statement released by the governing body has revealed one member of the three-person fast track appeals panel “did not undertake their obligations with respect to the consideration of all the available evidence”.
It continued: “The Chief Executive and Presidential team, Rod Petrie and Mike Mulraney, are unanimous that the tribunal outcome cannot be considered competent in light of the disclosure from the panel member and that the input from that panel member must be withdrawn.
“With that in mind, and only in extremis based on the information provided by the panel member, the determination cannot be considered valid. Therefore, the Judicial Panel Secretary has been instructed to convene a new tribunal and a fresh date will be set in due course.”
Keatings was handed a second yellow card in the 2-1 win over Rangers Colts on Sunday as referee Greg Aitken judged him to have dived on the edge of the area.
TV evidence appeared to show Keatings had been fouled, leading to widespread criticism. The fury over the decision intensified when Caley Thistle’s appeal was turned down, with club chief executive Scot Gardiner saying “even the dogs in the street” could see the call was incorrect.
Inverness will hope the new panel finds in their favour and Keatings is available for the Challenge Cup final.
