It’s so unfair for the SFA to Laff us out of court
Levein rips into Hampden panel as failed appeal rules Jambos striker Kyle out of cup clash with Hibees
HEARTS boss Craig Levein last night labelled the SFA’s disciplinary process “unfair” after Kyle Lafferty’s red card appeal was booted out.
The Jambos striker will now miss the Scottish Cup derby with Hibs on January 21 and it’s a huge blow for gaffer Levein.
Lafferty appeared at a Hampden hearing yesterday in a bid to clear his name after seeing red for a wild swipe on Aberdeen’s Graeme Shinnie in the last game before the winter break.
But the appeals panel upheld the original decision to suspend him for two games and he will sit out the Tynecastle cup clash as well as a Premiership game away to Hamilton.
Gutted boss Levein said: “Looking at it in isolation, I thought it would go our way. I’m disappointed because I think it’s unfair.
“I still think it’s harsh, especially when you consider other people who have won appeals.
“It was a process that was very heavily weighted one way. Nobody will be more disappointed than Kyle. It’s him I feel sorry for because he’ll miss an important match.”
Winger Jamie Walker will also be missing for the clash with Hibs after sealing his £300,000 move to English League One side Wigan.
Rangers had bids knocked back for Walker last summer but Levein is glad the 24-year-old headed south for the next stage of his career.
He said: “Every player has ambition and Jamie wants to test himself at the highest level possible.
“He deserves this opportunity as he has done enough up here for us.
“He has been here since he was 10 so I’m pleased he’s got a move.
“It’s a chance to test himself down in England. I’d have been disappointed if he stayed up here. He can always do that later in his career.”
Midfielder Don Cowie reckons the intense transfer speculation linking Walker with Rangers had an effect on his talented team-mate.
But the veteran, who made the opposite move to Walker when he joined the Jambos from Wigan in 2016, believes his career can get back on track south of the border.
Cowie said: “Jamie is one of the most gifted players I’ve played with.
“In terms of a midfielder, I’ve never really seen someone finish the way he does. He scores all types of goals and I’ve applauded him for that. If he can do that consistently for a season down south that’s when accolades will come in terms of Scotland call-ups. “Jamie found it hard to deal with the transfer saga in the summer. “He is a Hearts boy and his family support Hearts so it was tough. “Social media is powerful and people can get to you and say things. “It looked like he would move in the summer but it didn’t materialise. “Now it’s a chance for him to progress his career. “Hopefully he can fulfil his potential and break into the Scotland squad. He’s a special player. “He spoke to me about the Wigan move and it’s a good match for him.” But Wigan midfielder Jack Byrne won’t be heading to Tynecastle after Levein said: “That’s dead. It just dragged on so we’re looking elsewhere.”