SFA dismiss Celtic’s appeal as Auston Trusty red card stands, John McGinn positive after surgery PLUS latest transfer news: SCOTTISH SPORT UPDATE

The transfer window is open and all eyes are on the top three in the Scottish Premiership as they gear up for a thrilling title battle. Here are today’s developments from Daily Mail Sport PLUS the latest Scottish sports news…

CELTIC HAVE TRUSTY APPEAL REJECTED BY SFA

Celtic have had their appeal dismissed against Auston Trusty’s red card during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Hearts. 

The American defender was sent off with Celtic leading 2-1 in the 77th minute of the Tynecastle showdown after being deemed to have denied Landry Kabore a goal-scoring opportunity.

Trusty was initially shown a yellow card but it was upgraded to a red after referee Steven McLean was instructed by VAR to go to the pitchside monitor.

It was the Celtic’s first domestic dismissal since March 2024 and hampered their chances of holding out for a victory that would have seen them cut the six-point gap to their opponents.

A Celtic statement read: ‘Clearly we are very disappointed at the outcome of today’s appeal.

‘The VAR Protocol requires that VAR only intervenes when there is a “clear and obvious error”.

‘It is difficult to see how the original yellow card decision is a clear and obvious error and accordingly, VAR’s intervention by the refereeing team was not consistent with the rules.

‘We await the written judgment but will be ensuring further discussions with the SFA on the matter as we seek to understand the rationale for this and other decisions.’

Trusty will now miss Celtic’s next league match, at home to Falkirk on Sunday. 

Meanwhile, striker Shin Yamada has joined German club Preussen Munster on loan for the rest of the season.

The 25-year-old Japan forward signed from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale on a four-year deal last summer. However, Yamada has struggled to make the breakthrough at the Parkhead club, featuring only 11 times.

Munster play in Bundesliga 2, where they sit in 15th place. Celtic announced Yamada’s move on their official X account, signing off with, ‘Best of luck, Shin!’

The Parkhead club are being urged by fans to further bolster their squad before the transfer window closes.

Celtic have made just two signings so far this month, with Mexico defender Julian Araujo and Czech Republic striker Tomas Cvancara both arriving on loan deals from Bournemouth and Borussia Monchengladbach respectively.

The reigning champions slipped into third place in the Premiership on Sunday with a 2-2 draw at leaders Hearts. Rangers moved two points clear of their Old Firm rivals into second place with a 3-0 win over Dundee at Ibrox.

John McGinn was injured earlier this month in an EPL clash with Everton at Villa Park

McGINN POSITIVE AFTER KNEE SURGERY  

Scotland and Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn insisted he would ‘be back before you know it’ after undergoing knee surgery.

The 31-year-old Villa skipper went under the knife following an injury he sustained against Everton earlier in the month.

The thrilling victory clinched top spot in the group for the Scots to take them to the finals of the tournament for the first time since 1998.

Villa are flying high in the Premier League this season, behind Manchester City on goal difference and four points behind leaders Arsenal, with 23 fixtures completed.

MOTHERWELL SAY SORRY TO FANS FOR FIXTURE SWITCH

Motherwell have apologised to any ‘inconvenienced’ fans after next month’s home game against Aberdeen was moved back 24 hours to help players through a hectic fixture schedule.

The Premiership match was due to take place at Fir Park on Saturday, February 14 but at the behest of both clubs it will kick-off the following day at 2.30pm.

The Fir Park club have matches against Livingston, Dundee, Aberdeen — in the Scottish Cup at Pittodrie — and Rangers before the visit of the Dons, who face Kilmarnock, Celtic, Motherwell and Dundee United before they travel to Lanarkshire.

A statement on Well’s official website read: ‘Originally scheduled for Saturday February 14, the fixture has been moved back 24 hours at the request of both clubs.

‘With this fixture marking the fifth game in 14 days, both clubs agreed to move the game to the Sunday to allow the players more time to rest, recover and prepare between their midweek matches and this fixture.

‘We appreciate that Sunday matches are not appreciated by all supporters, and for those that will be inconvenienced by this change, we apologise.

‘But, with five games being played in a small time frame, including three away matches, one of which is a night time kick-off which will involve overnight travel, we want to allow the players more time to recover and prepare between games.

‘Your support has been greatly appreciated this season, and we look forward to seeing you at Livingston on Saturday.’