Scottish Football Association publish VAR audio from Auston Trusty red card against Heart of Midlothian F.C.

VAR audio has now been made public detailing why Auston Trusty was sent off during Celtic’s heated 2-2 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle.

The flashpoint, revisited on the VAR Review programme, centred on Trusty’s challenge on Landry Kabore, which ultimately led to a red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Celtic had twice taken the lead in Edinburgh before the dismissal shifted the momentum of the match.

On the pitch, referee Steven McLean initially issued a yellow card, believing Kabore did not have full control of the ball. However, after a review led by John Beaton at Clydesdale House, the decision was overturned.

In the released audio, McLean explained his original judgement: “On-field decision is yellow card, I didn’t think he had control of the ball.”

Beaton and his VAR colleagues debated whether Kabore would have gained possession and had a clear chance to score. The discussion focused on the ball’s speed, direction and the absence of covering defenders. Beaton ultimately concluded there was a “reasonable expectation” the attacker would take control and have an unobstructed opportunity on goal.

After reviewing the footage at the monitor, McLean accepted the assessment, confirming: “He would gain possession and have an opportunity to score a goal. Okay, red card.”

Willie Collum later supported the outcome on Sky Sports, stating that the officials had applied the laws correctly in upgrading the caution to a dismissal.

While Martin O’Neill had made clear his frustration with the decision at the time, the audio clarifies that the red card was based specifically on the denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity rather than subjective interpretation.

The release may not sway every supporter’s view, but it does outline the step-by-step reasoning behind the pivotal call that shaped the contest at Tynecastle Park.