McCann in the dugout as Dundee appeal ban

NEIL McCANN will be in the dugout for Dundee’s home clash with Hearts tomorrow after the club appealed the manager’s two-match touchline ban. McCann was hit with the punishment by the SFA’s disciplinary tribunal at Hampden on Thursday. He was found guilty of misconduct after becoming embroiled in a post-match bust-up with St Johnstone goalkeeper Zander Clark after the Perth club’s 4-0 victory earlier this month. TV footage appeared to show Clark, who also received a two-game ban, holding McCann’s shoulder before the manager pushed the substitute goalie away with a hand that moved towards Clark’s face. McCann denied slapping or punching Clark in the incident that brought notices of complaint for both men from SFA compliance officer Tony McGlennan. The Dundee boss said before Thursday’s hearing that he hoped ‘sense will prevail’ and he would receive a ‘fair hearing’. However, a brief statement from Dundee read: ‘Dundee Football Club can confirm we have appealed the two-match suspension handed to Neil McCann by the SFA.’ No date for an appellate tribunal has yet been set by the SFA, with McCann’s two-match ban set aside until the appeal is heard. Meanwhile Hearts boss Craig Levein, whose side could secure their top-six status against Dundee, says he has nothing but respect for McCann after he quit his career as a Sky pundit to become a manager. ‘If Neil can get through this season and do well, then I think he’ll kick on,’ said Levein.