No action over Deegan tackle

HIBERNIAN midfielder Gary Deegan will not face retrospective punishment over his challenge on Dundee’s Gary Irvine, the Scottish Football Association has confirmed.

The Irishman appeared to catch the full-back on the leg with his boot, with referee Craig Charleston almost immediately calling Saturday’s action to a temporary halt so Irvine could receive treatment.

The incident was singled out on the BBC’s highlights package from the weekend but SFA Compliance Officer Vincent Lunny will not be taking action.

Lunny is satisfied Charleston’s proximity to the tackle ensured he witnessed the far-side touchline challenge in the first half of the 1-1 draw. A SFA spokesperson said: “The incident will not be subject to review by the Compliance Officer.”

Lunny was kept busy over the festive period after handing out a two-match ban to Kelvin Wilson for the Celtic defender’s elbow on Dundee’s John Baird during the Boxing Day clash. And more recently, he dished out a two-game suspension to Hearts’ Ryan Stevenson for a two-footed tackle on James McPake during the goalless 3 January derby.

Referee Willie Collum did not take any action but Lunny meted out a sanction on the basis that the official’s view of the tackle was slightly obscured.