Hearts will appeal two-match ban handed out to Laszlo

Published on Thursday 30 October 2008 21:46

HEARTS have confirmed they will appeal against the two-match touchline ban Csaba Laszlo received over his argument with the fourth official following the 1-1 draw with Aberdeen.

The club have received notification of the automatic punishment handed out by the Scottish Football Association after Laszlo was reported by referee Steve Conroy.

A statement revealed the club were preparing the necessary paperwork, which means Laszlo will now be able to sit in the dugout until his appeal is heard.

The Hearts manager clashed with John McKendrick as the fourth official tried to stop him entering the Tynecastle pitch at the end of the controversial SPL draw. The former Uganda manager also became involved in a heated exchange with Aberdeen coach Sandy Clark.

The final moments of the match were shrouded in controversy when Conroy reversed a penalty decision for Hearts – when Michael Stewart fell under a challenge from Aberdeen goalkeeper Jamie Langfield – after he consulted with his assistant.

Laszlo later insisted he had the right to enter the field and was going on to talk to his players.

Meanwhile, Laszlo confirmed that Sunday's match with Celtic is likely to come too soon for midfielder Laryea Kingston, who has a groin injury. But defender Andrew Driver is expected to return to training today after almost two weeks out and, barring any mishaps, will be in contention for the Tynecastle match this weekend.