Ex-refs chief: Marc Leonard wrongly sent off as Livingston-Hearts controversy examined

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Credit: Imago / Sky Sports Scotland Sun 5 April 2026 17:45, UK Marc Leonard was extremely unfortunate to be sent off during a four-goal thriller between Livingston and Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that there was not enough clarity for VAR to overrule referee Kevin Clancy’s original decision.In the dying embers of the 2-2 draw between Livingston and Hearts on Sunday, 5 April, Leonard was shown a straight red following a VAR review of his last-ditch challenge on Robbie Muirhead.Livingston’s No.9 was about to escape down the right flank, potentially heading straight towards goal, but was completely taken out on the halfway line, initially being shown a yellow card for the challenge.The result meant that the Scottish Premiership title race was blown open further, with both Rangers and Celtic winning this weekend, with goals from Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga cancelled out.🟥 Hearts were reduced to 10 MEN before full-time! After a VAR check, Marc Leonard’s booking was upgraded to a red following his foul on Robbie Muirhead ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/HTbJzwnPNA— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 5, 2026 View Tweet MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Keith Hackett has doubts over DOGSO in Livingston vs HeartsThe red card had very little impact on the game, with only seconds remaining when the challenge was made, but it remains a major talking point well after the final whistle at the Home of the Set Fare Arena.Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “There is no doubt that the defender has committed a foul and the referee, in issuing a yellow card, has made the correct call.“VAR intervention, however, determines that the referee has made a clear and obvious error in not issuing a straight red card for the Denial of a Goalscoring Opportunity [DOGSO].Marc Leonard vs LivingstonStats [FotMob]Minutes played90Goals | Assists0 | 1Passing accuracy90% (69/77)Chances created4Tackles2Ground duels won62% (5/8)Fouls committed1“In my opinion, it should not be a red card on the basis that DOGSO is in doubt.

A yellow card was the correct call, initially.”Why did Marc Leonard only deserve a yellow card?There is a lot of debate over the contentious decision, with some asking why a straight red card wasn’t shown straight away, while others believe the player was too far away from goal for DOGSO.Explaining his thought process, Hackett took these things into consideration.Distance between the offence and the goalGeneral direction of the playLikelihood of the player keeping or gaining control of the ballLocation and number of defendersConcluding, he said: “The decision to dismiss is incorrect on the following basis – distance from goal out on the right wing, and the probability of controlling the ball and having a shot, plus a potential covering player.” 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 SPFL Insider Access Direct access to our dedicated Scottish hubs: Real-time intelligence from the heart of the SPFL