McDonald Cleared For Run-In

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Striker Scott McDonald has been cleared to rejoin Motherwell's fight for survival after the red card he received against St Mirren was downgraded to yellow.

The Australian hitman feared he would sit out the first leg of the Scottish Premiership play-off final with either Rangers or Hibernian after his controversial dismissal in Paisley.

Former Celtic striker McDonald was sent off a minute from time as his side lost 2-1 to the Buddies after fourth official Andrew Dallas informed referee Brian Colvin he had aimed an elbow at Saints youngster Thomas Reilly.

But television pictures show contact between the pair was minimal.

Now, after appealing the decision to the Scottish Football Association's judicial panel at a fast track tribunal hearing at Hampden on Thursday morning, McDonald has been cleared to play in this weekend's final Premiership game at home to Partick as well as in both legs of the play-off decider later this month.

The relieved Fir Park frontman said: "I'll be honest, I've been devastated since it happened. I couldn't believe the ref brandished the red card, as I genuinely didn't think I had made any contact.

"The officials made a decision and I was angry with them at the time. I know they've only got a split second to make the call but I'm glad they've seen it for what it really was.

"All my focus is now on trying everything I can to keep Motherwell in the SPFL Premiership."

Well general manager Alan Burrows added: "I would like to once again thank the compliance officer Tony McGlennan and his staff for arranging the hearing so swiftly along with the members of the panel who sat and considered our case.

"It's another satisfying conclusion, similar to our Stephen McManus appeal last January and Scott can now fully focus on some big games for the club over the next 10 days."