O'Dea given two-match ban for role in Hamilton dismissal

Dundee defender Darren O'Dea has been given a two-match ban for simulation following his part in the dismissal of Livingston striker Jack Hamilton on Boxing Day.

Hamilton was sent off by referee Bobby Madden for violent conduct after a tangle with the Irish defender during the goalless Ladbrokes Premiership encounter at Dens Park.

O'Dea held his face but it appeared that Hamilton had pushed his shoulder and the 18-year-old had his red downgraded to a yellow following an appeal by the West Lothian club.

Dundee did not respond to the notice of complaint for breaching rule 201 which pertains to: "an act of simulation which results in that player's team obtaining a Substantial Advantage."

O'Dea will miss the William Hill Scottish Cup tie with Queen of the South and the Ladbrokes Premiership game against Hearts.

On his official Twitter account O'Dea said:  "I accept the SFA's decision. In the heat of battle I've reacted in the wrong manner to gain an advantage.

"I'm embarrassed by it as it's not the example to set. I apologise to Livingston FC and Jack Hamilton."

Speaking after the Dens Park match, Livingston boss Gary Holt said: "I spoke to Bobby Madden and he said it was violent conduct for a push in the face.

"But I think Darren O'Dea has been clever, the old pro. Jack has pushed him off but he's adamant he's not hit him in the face."

Disciplinary Rule 201 states: "No player shall cause a match official to make an incorrect decision and/or support an error of judgement on the part of a match official by an act of simulation which results in that player's team obtaining a Substantial Advantage."