SFA CLEAR ALL THREE
From Back Page was cleared of violent conduct, Ross County hitman Filip Kiss overturned his red card whi l e Kilmarnock’s Josh Magennis escaped punishment after compliance officer Tony McGlennan reported him for an alleged headbutt on team-mate Jamie Hamill.
The Hampden panel took just 70 seconds to clear McDonald to rejoin Motherwell’s fight for survival in the crucial playoff showdown with either Rangers or Hibs.
The red card he received against St Mirren for alleged violent conduct was downgraded to yellow at a hearing that lasted less than two minutes.
The Aussie hitman was sent off a minute from time as his side lost 2-1 to St Mirren after fourth official Andrew Dallas informed referee Brian Colvin he had aimed an elbow at Saints kid Thomas Reilly.
But television pictures showed contact between the pair was minimal.
Now, after appealing the decision, McDonald has been cleared to play in this weekend’s final Premiership game at home to Partick Thistle as well as in both legs of the play-off decider later this month.
The relieved Fir Park front man said: “I’ll be honest, I’ve been devastated since it happened.
“I couldn’t believe the ref brandished the red card, as I genuinely didn’t think I had made any contact.
“The officials made a decision and I was angry with them at the time. I know they’ve only got a split second to make the call but I’m glad they’ve seen it for what it really was.
“I can now focus on keeping Motherwell safe.”
Killie forward Magennis was offered a two-match ban by compliance officer McGlennan but Ki l lie challenged that and the SFA judicial panel “rejected the referral”.
Magennis thrust his head into Hamill as the pair argued after the Northern Ireland international gave away a free-kick during his side’s 4-1 victory at Partick Thistle on Saturday.
The former Aberdeen player said: “I understand why the incident was highlighted but I am really glad the decision was overturned.”
Meanwhile, Kiss is now free to make a farewell appearance for Ross County after winning his claim of wrongful dismissal.
The SFA tribunal upheld his appeal against the red card he received on Saturday following a tussle with Hamil t o n’s Da r i an MacKinnon.
Kiss will now be able to face Killie in the final match before his loan deal from Cardiff expires.