Did Celtic Lose the Trusty Appeal While Winning the King Red Card Reversal?

Celtic's Auston Trusty will serve a three-match ban following an unsuccessful appeal against his red card issued during a match against Hibernian. In contrast, St Mirren’s Richard King has had his suspension overturned after successfully challenging his red card from their match against Motherwell. This article delves into the implications for both players and their respective teams in the Scottish Premiership.

Last updated: 22 February 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

Auston Trusty will miss three crucial matches for Celtic after the Scottish FA upheld his red card decision. The ban includes the highly anticipated Old Firm derby against Rangers. Conversely, Richard King will be available for St Mirren's upcoming fixture after the independent panel ruled that his dismissal against Motherwell was unwarranted. These developments could significantly impact both teams as they navigate their respective league campaigns.

Key takeaways

Auston Trusty will serve a three-match ban, including the Old Firm derby.
Richard King's red card has been overturned, allowing him to play this weekend.
Trusty's ban follows a second red card this season, incurring an additional match suspension.

Timeline: how we got here

The events leading to these decisions unfolded as follows:

**19 February 2026**: Celtic faced Hibernian at Celtic Park, resulting in a 2-1 defeat and Trusty's red card incident.
**20 February 2026**: St Mirren played against Motherwell, where King received a red card in a 5-0 loss.
**21 February 2026**: Celtic lodged an appeal regarding Trusty's red card, while St Mirren contested King's dismissal.
**22 February 2026**: The Scottish FA announced the outcomes of the appeals.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest developments see Trusty's three-match ban confirmed, which includes missing the Old Firm derby. On the other hand, King's successful appeal has reinstated him for St Mirren’s next match against Livingston.

What was already established

Prior to these rulings, both players faced significant repercussions from their respective red cards. Trusty’s previous sending off this season had already raised concerns regarding his discipline, while King's situation highlighted the potential for VAR interventions to influence on-field decisions.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The outcomes of these suspensions could affect viewer engagement and attendance figures for upcoming matches, particularly the Old Firm derby, which is a major event in the Scottish football calendar. Fans may adjust their plans based on player availability.

Businesses and jobs

For Celtic and St Mirren, the absence of key players could influence performance and, subsequently, financial implications tied to matchday revenues and league standings. Trusty's absence could affect Celtic's pursuit of the league title.

Policy and regulation

The decisions reflect the ongoing scrutiny of officiating standards in Scottish football. The independent review process illustrates the evolving dialogue around VAR's role and its impact on match outcomes.

Numbers that matter

3: The number of matches Trusty will miss, including the Old Firm derby.
5: The total goals scored against St Mirren in their match with Motherwell.
650: The appeal deposit Celtic must pay following Trusty's unsuccessful challenge.

Definitions and jargon buster

VAR: Video Assistant Referee, a technology used to assist match officials in making decisions.
Red card: A card shown by a referee to indicate that a player has been sent off for a serious foul or misconduct.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans and clubs will be keenly watching how both teams perform without Trusty and with King reinstated. Strategic adjustments by coaches will be crucial.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, the implications of these suspensions may affect team morale and dynamics, particularly for Celtic as they aim to maintain their title challenge.

Signals to watch

Celtic's performance in upcoming matches without Trusty.
St Mirren's ability to bounce back with King back in the squad.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep an eye on the performance of teams in the absence of key players.
Engage with updates on player fitness and team strategies.

Don’t

Assume that the absence of one player will solely dictate a team's performance.
Overlook the impact of VAR and officiating decisions on future matches.

Checklist

Review team line-ups before matches.
Follow match reports for insights on player performance.
Stay informed on further appeals or disciplinary actions.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the situation unfolds, the potential for further appeals or disciplinary actions remains. The effectiveness of VAR in influencing match outcomes continues to be a debated topic, and future interpretations of incidents could change the landscape of player discipline.

Bottom line

The current disciplinary outcomes underscore the high stakes in Scottish football, with Trusty's absence posing a challenge for Celtic while providing St Mirren with a boost with King's reinstatement. Fans and teams alike will need to adapt quickly as the season progresses.

FAQs

What does Auston Trusty's ban mean for Celtic?

Trusty will miss three important matches, including the Old Firm derby, which could impact Celtic's chances in the league.

How did Richard King have his suspension overturned?

King successfully challenged his red card, with an independent panel ruling that it was not warranted, allowing him to play in the next match.

What role does VAR play in these decisions?

VAR assists referees in making decisions, but its effectiveness and influence remain contentious, especially in red card incidents.