Ian Black faces two-game ban after sending-off

Hearts midfielder Ian Black will miss the next two SPL matches after the club decided not to appeal against the red card he picked up in Sunday's defeat to Motherwell.

Under the new disciplinary procedures that were introduced this season, suspensions for dismissals of serious foul play have been doubled from last term, meaning Black will sit out Saturday's visit of Aberdeen and the following Sunday's trip to Kilmarnock.

Violent conduct and spitting are the only other offences which will lead to players earning automatic two-match bans should they be given their marching orders.

Black was sent off by referee Stevie O'Reilly five minutes into the second half of the weekend's clash at Fir Park, and Motherwell made their numerical advantage count when Jamie Murphy hit a 60th minute winner. The Tynecastle club have opted against contesting O'Reilly's decision after failing to make yesterday's 3pm deadline for informing the SFA of any intention to appeal.

The next league game Black will be eligible for is the 28 August Edinburgh derby, although he could return from a domestic ban for next Thursday's Europa League home leg against Spurs.

Hearts manager Paulo Sergio, meanwhile, says he is glad of an uninterrupted week on the training pitch with the players following a hectic start to his Tynecastle reign.

He said: "We need to practice on the training pitch, I've not had much time at all with the players to do this. "We've had two games in a very short space of time so I hope with hard work during the week we'll improve for the future.

Aberdeen visit Tynecastle on Saturday and Sergio added: "I am learning more about the team and our game can improve."