Laszlo and fourth official John McKendrick had words at Tynecastle

Hearts have confirmed they will appeal against the two-match touchline ban Csaba Laszlo received over his argument with a fourth official on Saturday.

The club have received notification of the automatic punishment handed out by the Scottish FA after Laszlo was reported by referee Steve Conroy.

Laszlo faced being banned after 5 November, following the incident during the 1-1 draw with Aberdeen.

But an appeal will force the matter to a disciplinary hearing on 2 December.

Hearts, who have seven days to lodge their appeal, have notified the SFA they will submit an appeal that will lead to the incident being discussed at the next committee meeting.

The Hearts manager, who would have had to sit out matches against St Mirren and Hamilton Accies if he had accepted the automatic ban, clashed with John McKendrick as the fourth official tried to stop him entering the Tynecastle pitch at the end of Saturday's game.

Laszlo also became involved in a heated exchange with Aberdeen coach Sandy Clark.

The final moments of the match were shrouded in controversy after Conroy reversed a penalty decision for Hearts in the 85th minute after he consulted with his assistant, Chris Young.

Conroy had pointed to the spot after Michael Stewart fell under a challenge from Aberdeen goalkeeper Jamie Langfield, but he then gave a goal-kick.

Laszlo later insisted he had the right to enter the field and was going on to talk to his players and not Conroy.

"I did not have a confrontation," he said. "I asked why the fourth official stopped me and he told me to go to the dressing-room.

"I don't have any problem. I just wanted to shake the players' hands.

"I don't think it's true that I'm angry; I'm angry because we don't score the goals."

Meanwhile, Laszlo confirmed that Laryea Kingston is likely to still be missing with a groin injury when Celtic visit on league duty on Sunday.

But fellow midfielder Andrew Driver is expected to return to training after almost two weeks out and be in contention this weekend.

Laszlo also revealed Janos Balogh could retain his place in goal despite Marian Kello resuming training following a head injury.

"He is feeling fine, but it is not automatic that he will play on Sunday," the manager told Hearts' website.

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