SPL: Hartson wins appeal against red card

Celtic striker John Hartson has won his appeal against the red card he received at the end of Sunday's Old Firm match.

Hartson and his team-mate Johan Mjallby were sent off for violent conduct in the final moments along with Rangers defender Fernando Ricksen following a melée in the Ibrox side's goalmouth.

But Celtic chose to appeal against the decision by referee Kenny Clark after widespread feeling that Hartson was acting as peacemaker.

Rangers defender Bob Malcolm defended Hartson's actions claiming that the Welshman had simply been trying to separate players.

The SFA Disciplinary Committee met on Friday to review video footage of the incident, and decided that the player's appeal should be upheld. Hartson is therefore free to play in Sunday's SPL match against Hearts, and the 12 penalty points against his record will be deleted.

Celtic decided not to appeal against Mjallby's dismissal and the Swedish defender will miss the weekend's fixture, but will be free to play in the Scottish Cup final on 4 May.