Jamie McGrath is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after his red card against Celtic was upgraded to serious foul play.
The Hibernian midfielder was dismissed following a heavy challenge on Alistair Johnston, who had only just returned from injury and was making his first start back.
At first, referee David Dickinson opted for a yellow card, despite the high contact above the ankle.
But VAR intervened.
After being sent to the monitor by Don Robertson, Dickinson reviewed the incident again and upgraded the decision to a straight red, recognising the severity of the tackle.
Fortunately for Celtic, Johnston was able to continue and completed around an hour on the pitch, with no immediate signs of injury.
For Hibs, though, the consequences are significant.
The challenge has now been officially classified as serious foul play, according to the Edinburgh Evening News, triggering an extended suspension that will rule McGrath out until the final match of the Scottish Premiership season.
It’s a major blow.
McGrath has been one of Hibs’ key players for the side this season, playing 33 games with nine goals and four assists.
He will miss matches against Falkirk and Rangers as a result of the ruling, returning to face Motherwell.
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