Hearts fan offers £1,000 for Kevin McHattie red card appeal

A Hearts fan has offered to pay the £1,000 fee needed to appeal against the red card shown to Kevin McHattie in Saturday's win over Aberdeen.

Manager Gary Locke believes the decision was harsh but admits that the cost involved is a factor for the club presently in administration.

"We've had an offer from a supporter to pay it," he said. "Whether we go down that route or not, I'm not so sure."

Hearts have formally lodged an appeal against the red card.

Locke is already having to cope with the absence of Danny Wilson after the captain was handed a one-game ban for using offensive or insulting language following the final whistle at Tynecastle.

Both defenders will be available for Tuesday's Scottish League Cup tie against Raith Rovers in Kirkcaldy, but Wilson will definitely miss Saturday's trip north to face Premiership leaders Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

"We are in a position at the moment that we don't have a big squad and it is certainly one we are going to appeal," he said of McHattie's challenge on Calvin Zola.

Locke believes McHattie played the ball as he tackled Calvin Zola

"I've had a look at it again and it was a good tackle.

"I have looked at it a number of times and, even at the game, I thought it was a good challenge and I haven't changed my opinion on that."

Hearts assistant manager Billy Brown and Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes also face a ban after being sent to the stand for a touchline disagreement.

"We are all passionate people and Del came into our office after the game, he apologised to Billy and we had a beer together and that's the end of the matter for us all," said Locke.

"It was something out of nothing and we've all forgotten about it."

The SFA confirmed that the incident involving McInnes and Brown was not a fast-tracked issue so would not be dealt with by compliance officer Vincent Lunny immediately.

"If the incident is mentioned in referee's report, Vincent Lunny will write to the individuals involved and ask them to explain their actions," a spokeswoman explained.