Talbot Accepts Two-Match Ban

Livingston defender Jason Talbot has accepted a two-match suspension by the Scottish FA for a controversial challenge on Hearts midfielder Sam Nicholson during Saturday's Scottish Championship fixture at the Energy Assets Arena. The Englishman was offered the suspension after being issued with a notice of complaint by the Scottish FA. Talbot was booked for the challenge which left Nicholson requiring stitches on his damaged face but the ruling body pursued the Livi player on a charge of serious foul play, pertaining to Disciplinary rule 200. Talbot had the chance to go before a judicial panel but accepted his punishment and thus will miss the Lions' weekend match at Hearts and the trip to Falkirk on February 21. In an official statement on their website, the West Lothian club said the player had "personally apologised" to Nicholson after the match and hoped Talbot's acceptance of the two-game ban would "bring the issue to a conclusion".