Ex-Hearts star Kingston tries to attack Ghana coach after snub

The enraged former Hearts midfielder had to be restrained by the Ghanaian Football Association's vice president, Fred Pappoe, as he attempted to assault Rajevac with a raised arm and clenched fist. He then verbally abused the veteran Serbian for ending his World Cup dreams, claiming he knew nothing about football.

The incident took place at Ghana's pre-tournament training base in Paris as Rajevac announced his final 23-man pool for South Africa. Kingston, 29, was one of six players left out alongside Stephen Adams, Eric Addo, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Haminu Draman and Bernard Kumordzi.

The subsequent outburst is likely to mean an end to the player's career with the Black Stars. In a loud and angry discharge, Kingston is said to have told Rajevac: "I swear to God you are not a good coach. You don't know anything about football, you stupid man." The omission compounds an unhappy month for Kingston, who was told by Hearts at the end of the SPL season that his contract would not be renewed. He is now a free agent and requires to find himself a new club, however he had hoped that a solid World Cup campaign would prompt offers from some of Europe's major leagues.

Supporters in Kingston's homeland are both surprised and shocked by Rajevac's decision but senior officials at the Ghanaian FA were angered by the player's response. Unless a reconciliation takes place, he will be overlooked for future squads.

Meanwhile, Hearts winger Andy Driver has welcomed the renewed hope of representing Scotland after the SFA began attempts to change eligibility rules. National coach Craig Levein is striving to have the five-year "school rule" adopted by the home nations amended to allow Driver to play for his adopted nation.

"I would love to be involved. I know there are rules but I think it's the wording that is the problem," said Driver.

"I still haven't given up on Andy," said Levein.