BIG BAD JOHN FREE FOR CUP SEMI AND OLD FIRM GAME

John Hartson will be able to play in the Scottish cup semi - final after all. Although the big striker was sent off against Aberdeen for violent conduct on Monday night he will only miss the next League game ( Aberdeen on Saturday) and then another league game after March 11th. This leaves him free to play in both the Scottish cup semi - final and the vital league game against Rangers. The SFA spokesman for Discipline explained the situation:

"The sending off on Monday, which was a straight card, means it's either foul play or violent conduct. "And the committing of either of these offences means a player sent off misses the next match irrespective of the competition. He will be suspended automatically for this weekend's SPL game. "He also goes over the threshold of 16 points and will therefore pick up a one-match suspension from Monday, March 11 which will be served off in the SPL."