LIVINGSTON defender Jason Talbot could face retrospective punishment for his x-rated challenge that left Hearts winger Sam Nicholson needing stitches to his face.
The Lions captain was booked by referee Brian Colvin for a reckless studs-up tackle that forced Nicholson off on the stroke of half-time in Saturday's 3-2 win at the Energy Assets Arena.
And even though Colvin took action at the time in brandishing a yellow card, there is still scope for Scottish FA Compliance Officer Tony McGlennan to issue a Notice of Complaint.
It is understood that McGlennan will speak to Colvin about the unsavoury incident and if the official indicates that he was not aware of the severity of the challenge, the Compliance Officer could intervene.
Should McGlennan issue a ban, Talbot could be suspended for this weekend's league trip to Tynecastle.
Hearts were furious with the challenge and posted a picture of Nicholson's painful facial injuries on their official Twitter account with the caption: "Ouch. Sam Nicholson shows the scars of battle after tackle by Livvy's Talbot. #brave." Footage of the incident has also gone viral online.
Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson was disgusted with the tackle and claimed Talbot, who was ordered off three times last season, crossed the line.
In an interview conducted with Hearts TV, Neilson, whose side moved 19 points clear at the Championship summit, said: "It was disappointing for Sam, it was a reckless challenge and we don't want to see that in the game. He's got stitches in his face now. Teams are so desperate to beat us that sometimes they go over the line."
Hearts director of football Craig Levein also took to Twitter to express his dismay at the challenge. He said: "Tackle on Sam takes a bit of explaining to say the least. No more to say."
Levein also praised Kenny Anderson after the debutant, who replaced Nicholson, scored the visitors' second goal to put Hearts 2-1 up.
Levein added: "What a way to mark your debut. Scoring the game-changing goal when it's required. Well done Kenny. Bring on next Sat."
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