Kingston's season over after ban

.... Hearts to appeal ban
Hearts' Laryea Kingston has been banned for the rest of the season for abusing referee Steve Conroy when he was sent off at Aberdeen in March.

The Ghanaian midfielder, who served an automatic two-game ban, has been given an additional three-match suspension.

Conroy reported the 26-year-old Kingston for using "offensive, insulting and abusive language".

Having apparently accused Conroy of racist conduct, Kingston has since apologised for his behaviour.

Unless Hearts appeal the decision, Kingston, who is on loan from Russian side Terek Grozny, will miss Hearts' final three-matches of the campaign against Aberdeen, Hibernian and Kilmarnock.

Hearts are almost certain to appeal against the decision, which would free up the Ghana midfielder for the vital run in which could secure UEFA Cup qualification. Hearts spokesman David Southern said: "We have the option of appeal, it's a seven-day appeals process so that will naturally be one of the considerations."

Kingston, affectionately known as 'Larry' among the Jambos faithful, has been outstanding since his arrival from Russia and turned in another dominant display at Parkhead on Sunday as the Jam Tart's crashed the Celtic title party with a deserved 3-1 victory.