Ex-Premier League official Dermot Gallagher believes Celtic defender Auston Trusty was unfortunate to be dismissed during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle…
Trusty was first shown a yellow by referee Steven McLean for a challenge on Pierre Landry Kabore as the Hearts attacker moved beyond him.
After the incident was reviewed at the pitch-side monitor, the decision was changed to a sending-off following advice from VAR official John Beaton at Clydesdale House.
Gallagher shared his assessment of the call while appearing on the latest edition of Ref Watch, where he discussed the moment alongside former Cardiff City forward Jay Boothroyd.
Gallagher said via Sky Sports: “This is harsh. The law says DOGSO. The O stands for ‘obvious’. This is ‘possible’. The referee got it right on the field because the player is not in possession of the ball; he has to carry on after that ball.”
“He is moving away from the goal. He will get the ball eventually, but by the time he gets the ball, the covering defender will come across.”
However, Boothroyd countered Gallagher’s view: “It is a possible goal-scoring opportunity,” he said. “That is where Dermot has me. When you look at the pace of that player, he is rapid. He is going to take a touch inside. His next touch will take him towards the goal, and he will get a shot off, which is a goal-scoring opportunity.”
“It is not obvious. That is why it was not originally given; it is not an obvious goal-scoring opportunity because the far defender might cover and get a tackle or a block. That is a red card and goal-scoring opportunity, because that defender isn’t going to get around.”
🗣️ “I think this is really harsh… the referee has got it right on field.”
🗣️ “It’s a possible goalscoring opportunity.”Ref Watch takes a look at Auston Trusty’s red card in Celtic’s 2-2 draw with Hearts in the Scottish Premiership ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/yj99ADmVIP
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 26, 2026
Celtic looked set to collect all three points after going in front with around half an hour to play, but Claudio Braga struck late on for Hearts to rescue a share of the spoils at Tynecastle.
The equaliser ensured the contest ended level at 2-2 and left Martin O’Neill’s men trailing their Edinburgh title rivals by six points in the table.
The club announced yesterday afternoon that they are appealing the red card decision against Auston Trusty with the heading being fast-tracked to be held today. We’ll bring you the news when it comes.
Conor Spence
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