Paul Hartley will face no further action from the SFA after being dismissed by referee John Beaton during the dying moments of Tuesday’s thrilling Dundee derby at Tannadice Park.

The Dundee manager was sent to the stands for leaving his technical area as he celebrated James McPake’s equaliser four minutes into injury time of a match that city rivals United looked to have won with two goals in three minutes midway through the second half.

A Greg Stewart goal eight minutes from the end of normal time had given Dundee hope, but their hosts looked to have held out until, in dramatic finish, McPake squeezed the ball home.

Hartley’s reaction seemed a natural one, very much in keeping with the moment, but Beaton felt forced to react as he did after the matter was brought to his attention by fourth official Craig Charleston.

However HeraldSport understands that the SFA’s compliance officer has already written to Hartley to acknowledge that his misdemeanour occurred in the heat of the moment and to confirm that the matter will not be taken any further.

The manager has also been reminded, however, that referees are trained to ensure that coaches remain in their technical areas in order to reduce the potential for public order issues.