Heart of Midlothian have been left 'surprised' after being told their appeal against Lawrence Shankland's recent yellow card for simulation has been rejected. 

Shankland was booked by referee Grant Irvine during last Saturday's Scottish Premiership clash with Ross County in Dingwall. Irvine deemed the Hearts captain to have dived on 63 minutes but the Gorgie club felt an injustice and were prepared to make their case to a fast track SFA panel.

However, they met at Hampden Park today and came to the conclusion that the caution should stand - even though Hearts claim to have highlighted strong evidence towards their case. 

"Heart of Midlothian is surprised to learn that the club’s appeal against Lawrence Shankland’s yellow card for simulation against Ross County has been dismissed," read a club statement.

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"The opposing player’s knee can clearly be seen connecting with Lawrence’s thigh, which we highlighted as evidence at the appeal. 

"The club will learn the reasoning behind the dismissal later this week, at which point we may comment further."