Kingston charged over ref comment

Laryea Kingston was angry at being sent off at Pittodrie

Hearts midfielder Laryea Kingston has been charged with misconduct by the SFA after he accused referee Steve Conroy of being a racist.

The Ghanian international, 26, made the comment after he was sent off against Aberdeen on Saturday and has since expressed his "sincere regrets".

Steve Conroy has reported Kingston for using offensive, insulting and abusive language after being red-carded.

Kingston will appear before the SFA's disciplinary committee on 1 May.

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BBC Scotland reported that several players heard the accusation made by Kingston during the 1-0 defeat.

Kingston had been booked early in the second half for persistent fouling and was shown a second yellow card after a clumsy challenge on Barry Nicholson.

If the committee finds the player guilty of the misconduct charge, a further penalty may be imposed on him SFA spokesman

Speaking to Hearts News, he said: "I am extremely sorry for the events on Saturday afternoon.

"While I am still disappointed at the decision for the second yellow card, I must express sincere regret at the comment I made of the referee.

Kingston continued: "It was completely out of character and is in no way part of my make-up.

"I will, at the earliest opportunity, apologise to Mr Conroy as I feel I over reacted and I would hope that my record since coming to Scotland and my future conduct will demonstrate that I am only interested in playing top class but fair football."

The SFA said: "Through the application of the automatic Disciplinary Procedures, the player has incurred an automatic 2 match suspension for his misconduct in the game.

"He will be suspended for Heart of Midlothian's matches against Dundee United on 17 March and Hibernian on 1 April.

"The player's case will be heard on 1 May. If the committee finds the player guilty of the misconduct charge, a further penalty may be imposed on him."