Hearts striker Steven MacLean cited by the Scottish FA for act of ‘brutality’

As anticipated, Hearts striker Steven MacLean has been cited by the Scottish FA for grabbing Celtic’s Eboue Kouassi by the groin during the League Cup semi-final.

The SFA compliance officer reviewed footage of the incident from Sunday’s match at Murrayfield and the 36-year-old is facing a two-match ban.

The incident which was missed by the match officials took place midway through the first half and McLean subsequently laughed off the mater.

He had already been booked by referee Willie Collum.

The score was 0-0 at the time but Celtic went on to win 3-0 and qualify for the Betfred Cup final against Aberdeen.

An act directed towards the private parts of a player on the field is now being considered an act of “brutality”.

He is free to face Hibs on Wednesday but if found guilty will miss games against Celtic and Kilmarnock.