RUSSIAN goalkeeper Ivan Konovalov is set to make his Livingston debut this weekend after the club accepted a two-match ban for Max Stryjek.
Stryjek was served with a notice of complaint after the Scottish FA took retrospective action against him following a controversial incident in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
The Lions No.1 was deemed by the compliance officer to have committed violent conduct when clashing in the box with Dons winger Vicente Besuijen in the first half as the game stood goalless.
Television footage appeared to show Besuijen attempting to block Stryjek from launching a quick Livi attack and the keeper deliberately pushing his hand into the Dutchman’s face.
Besuijen was booked by referee Grant Irvine but Stryjek went unpunished, resulting in the SFA getting involved.
After the match, Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin insisted his side should have been awarded a penalty and Stryjek sent-off for ‘smashing’ Besuijen.
Stryjek has admitted breaching disciplinary rule 200, which allows the SFA to take action ‘where the player was not dismissed by the referee as a result of the alleged act/acts’.
Livingston said: “The club can confirm that goalkeeper Max Stryjek has been served with a notice of complaint from the SFA following Saturday’s 2-1 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
“The club have accepted the offer of a two-match ban, which Max will serve with immediate effect.”
Konovalov penned an 18-month deal with Livingston in January but his arrival from Rubin Kazan was delayed by work permit issues.
The 27-year-old’s move has coincided with home country Russia invading neighbouring Ukraine and, with family near the border, he has been receiving support from manager David Martindale as he tries to settle in Scotland.
Konovalov has been an unused substitute for the West Lothian side for the last seven games but will now get his opportunity to impress against Hibernian on Saturday and against St Johnstone on May 7.
Should he keep his place for the final two fixtures of the campaign, Stryjek may have played his last game for Livi after Martindale claimed he expects the Pole to attract transfer interest this summer.
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