SFA stands by referee's decision to dismiss Stamp for celebrating

The Scottish Football Association has scuppered any appeal by Heart of Midlothian against Phil Stamp's red card in the Edinburgh derby on Sunday.

The former Middlesbrough player scored the winning goal against Hibernian in injury time, only to receive a second yellow card for his celebrations with the Hearts supporters. Stamp had picked up a caution earlier in the game for a challenge on Alen Orman.

His Tynecastle team-mate Kevin McKenna had also been booked by the referee, Willie Young, for his own celebrations when he cancelled out Mixu Paatelainen's opener with just four minutes remaining. But Stamp's actions following his match-winner proved to be more costly and he was dismissed with seconds left.

The SFA's head of disciplinary affairs, Drew Herbertson, said the player cannot appeal against two yellow cards. A caution is not mandatory for running towards fans to celebrate but Herbertson also said he felt Stamp's behaviour was unacceptable to the referee – leaving Young no choice but to dismiss the player.

"We haven't received the referee's report but it would simply be a case of putting a tick in a box for the relevant offence," Herbertson said. "There can be a knock-on effect from the crowd and that was experienced [on Sunday], which is why Kevin McKenna was booked and then Phil Stamp."

The Rangers captain, Barry Ferguson, has declared himself fit for his side's CIS Insurance Cup quarter-final against Dunfermline Athletic on Thursday.

The influential midfielder has been bothered by a pelvic injury in recent weeks and has had to undergo extra stretching sessions. Fears for his fitness grew when he was replaced during Saturday's 3-0 win at Dundee, but the 24-year-old has told the Rangers manager, Alex McLeish, that he is ready to play in the match at East End Park, which will be televised live on Channel 5.

"Barry came in today and says he feels great so I'm left scratching my head," McLeish said. "But it's the best possible news for us. Maybe the stretching exercises we organised for him are contributing."

Rangers' Dutch defender Arthur Numan picked up a knock against Dundee and, like Ferguson, was substituted. But his injury is not as serious as first thought and he could also be available for the cup tie.

"Arthur came in today and was optimistic about his chances of playing," McLeish said. "We will rely on Arthur knowing his own body because he has enough experience in that regard."

He added: "Lorenzo Amoruso and Maurice Ross trained this morning and they both feel good. We won't make decisions on either until later in the week because we don't want to take any unnecessary chances.

"Neil McCann has had a stop-start season so far because of injuries and the good news is that he is full steam ahead in training this week. Shota Arveladze is also back in full training, so my options are increasing again."

Celtic's Jackie McNamara looks set for a return to the Bhoys' squad at the weekend. The Scotland midfielder has been out since the start of October with a thigh injury picked up on international duty in Iceland. But the Parkhead medical team are confident he will be available for the trip to Dundee United on Sunday.

The winger Didier Agathe should also be fit for the match after picking up a hamstring strain in last week's Uefa Cup second round, first leg victory over Blackburn Rovers.

The Bulgarian international Stilian Petrov will continue to play with a splint in his hand, but the Republic of Ireland international Colin Healy has been unable to train after picking up a calf strain.