Kyle Lafferty to face SFA hearing on Tuesday after Aberdeen dismissal case is brought forward

BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport

KYLE LAFFERTY’S Edinburgh derby fate will be decided next Tuesday after the Scottish Football Association agreed to bring his hearing forward by 48 hours to allow the Hearts ace to attend.

The Northern Ireland internationalist was dismissed by referee John Beaton following a late lunge on Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie last weekend.

However, after poring over highlights and their own Hearts TV footage, the capital club are adamant they have a case to have the decision at least downgraded to a yellow and have launched an official appeal.

The hearing was originally due to be heard by a fast-track panel next Thursday, however that is the date Hearts are due to jet off to Spain for their winter training camp, meaning Lafferty would have been unable to give evidence in person.

And, following talks between the Tynecastle hierarchy and SFA officials, proceedings have been expedited.

Lafferty will now appear in person at Hampden to defend himself and will be accompanied by a member of the coaching staff, most likely assistant head coach Austin MacPhee.

If his appeal is rejected, Lafferty will be unable to play in the Scottish Cup fourth round tie against Hibs on January 21.