Hearts 'surprised' by Lawrence Shankland appeal rejection as Jambos double down on penalty evidence

Hearts have been left baffled by the outcome of Lawrence Shankland's appeal against his yellow card against Ross County.

The Jambos' top scorer was booked for diving against the Staggies as Steven Naismith's side went down 2-1 in the Highlands. The Gorgie gaffer felt the decision to book Shankland was the wrong one, and believed the controversial call to rule out Stephen Kingsley's free-kick for an offside - also against Shankland - cost his team a point.

The Tynecastle club appealed against the caution. But the judicial panel has booted out their claim and backed the whistler's decision. That call has left the Hearts hierarchy "surprised," as they highlighted contact made by County defender Ryan Leak. A club statement read: "Heart of Midlothian is surprised to learn that the club’s appeal against Lawrence Shankland’s yellow card for simulation against Ross County has been dismissed.

"The opposing player’s knee can clearly be seen connecting with Lawrence’s thigh, which we highlighted as evidence at the appeal. The club will learn the reasoning behind the dismissal later this week, at which point we may comment further."

The capital club saw a previous appeal over a yellow card for diving succeed. Alan Forrest had his name taken during a 2-2 draw for the same offence during a 2-2 draw against the same opposition back in December.

On that occasion, the panel accepted that Forrest had been fouled by Ross Laidlaw and a penalty should have been awarded. The yellow was rescinded and the incident included as an error in this season's latest VAR review.