Home   Sport   Article

Match of the Day presenter and English football legend Gary Lineker says James Keatings missing the Challenge Cup final for Inverness Caley Thistle due to a 'dive' against Rangers Colts is an injustice after losing yellow card appeal


By Will Clark

Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

English football legend Gary Lineker has given his support to James Keatings after he lost his appeal against a second yellow card for simulation in Caley Thistle's Challenge Cup semi final against Rangers Colts.

The Match of the Day presenter is among a large number of people who have expressed their disbelief to the decision by the SFA disciplinary committee to dismiss the appeal at the tribunal hearing at Hampden yesterday.

Keatings picked up a second yellow card for simulation in the 2–1 victory against Rangers Colts at the Caledonian Stadium leading to him being sent off.

However television replays indicated Rangers Colts defender Ciaran Dickson made a body check with Keatings which lead to the attacker falling to the ground.

Lineker expressed his disbelief on Twitter saying the referee made the wrong decision and says Keatings should not miss the Challenge Cup final on Saturday, March 28 against Raith Rovers.

He tweeted: "Not even close to a dive. Would be an injustice to miss a cup final for this."

Officials from other football clubs have backed Inverness Caledonian Thistle's calls for changes to the disciplinary system falling the decision not to overturn James Keatings second yellow card.

Motherwell chief executive off Alan Burrows called for changes to the judicial panel procedure (JPP) as a result of the decision.

"I agree with the sentiments in the Inverness statement that the whole JPP, it’s terms and how it is implemented, need to be completely torn up and rewritten, starting with a blank sheet.

"More about football and the spirit of the game and much less legalese."


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More