Stewart handed three-game ban

Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart has been hit with an additional ban and will now miss three matches.

The 27-year-old was sent for an early bath on Saturday after apparently kicking out at Hugh Murray towards the end of the first half of Hearts' vital 1-0 win at St Mirren.

The referee, Mike McCurry, missed the incident but after advice from fourth official Bobby Madden, Stewart was given his marching orders.

After serving a suspension last season, Stewart has now been handed an extra suspension and will sit out Wednesday's clash against basement boys Hamilton.

He will be available for Saturday's trip to Inverness but will then be forced to miss the games against Falkirk on November 22 and Rangers, a week later.