Kilmarnock FC: Killie protest over Pascali's red card

Nov 30 2012 by Lizzie Smith, Kilmarnock Standard

An appeal over Killie captain Manuel Pascali’s red card will be heard by the Scottish FA today.

The Italian was sent off for an alleged two-footed tackle on Nigel Hasselbaink in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by St Johnstone.

But after studying footage of the game, Killie have decided to take their case to Hampden, arguing Pascali did not go in with both feet.

The case will be heard by a fast track tribunal.

It’s the second time in three weeks that Killie have taken issue with a referee’s decision.

On November 8, the SFA upheld a claim for wrongful dismissal after keeper Cammy Bell had been sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity to Inverness.

Pascali, who has played in every game so far this season, is currently suspended for Saturday’s Scottish Cup fourth round tie against high-fliers Queen of the South.

The Dumfries side, managed by former Killie star Allan ‘Magic’ Johnston, are nine points clear.

Their only loss in 21 games this season was against Dundee United in the Scottish Communities League Cup third round, having beaten Hibs in the previous tie.

The Doonhamers will fancy their chances against Ayrshire’s finest.

The last time the sides met in the Scottish Cup was in 1989 and QoS won 1-0 that day at Rugby Park.

Last season, Killie thrashed a 10-man QoS 5-0 at Rugby Park, knocking them out the third round of the League Cup.

Killie’s cup record hasn’t been so hot this season after second division outfit Stenhousemuir produced a shock 2-1 win at Rugby Park to knock the League Cup holders out in the second round.

Prices for Saturday’s match, with a 3pm kick-off, are £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for under-12s.