Steven Naismith 'bitterly disappointed' despite Alan Forrest's booking being overturned

Hearts attacker Alan Forrest has had his yellow card for diving overturned after an appeal by the club.

But Steven Naismith says he has been left “bitterly disappointed” by the situation surrounding the incident and the fact no penalty was awarded, potentially denying them all three-points.

The 27-year-old was booked for simulation during the 2-2 draw with Ross County on December 30.

Hearts successfully appealed the decision to the SFA tribunal and had the card rescinded.

However Naismith is still unhappy at the diving claims against a player who he says is as “honest” as he has met.

In a statement released on Thursday he said: “I’m pleased for Alan. You will not meet a more honest player and his reputation has been restored.

“I am, however, still left bitterly disappointed by the whole situation. While we applaud the decision made by the tribunal, it merely confirms what we all knew at the time, that there was no dive and therefore it is not unreasonable to have expected a penalty award, giving us the opportunity to take a step towards winning the game and securing all three points.

“I have long been an advocate of VAR because it should ensure the right decisions are being made. On this occasion, and on others before it – away to Motherwell and at home to St Johnstone – and subsequently only two days ago at Livingston when pictures showed Lawrence Shankland having his jersey pulled over his head inside the opposition’s penalty box, VAR has failed to make the right decision.

“This is simply not acceptable and I will, once again, be seeking an explanation from the Head of Referee Operations as to why these decisions continue to be made to our detriment.”