Hearts striker Steven MacLean has been charged with violent conduct after appearing to grab Celtic's Eboue Kouassi's groin area during Sunday's League Cup semi-final.

The incident occurred in the 24th minute of Celtic's 3-0 win at Murrayfield when Kouassi fell to the ground and then complained to match referee Willie Collum that MacLean had grabbed him.

The Scottish FA compliance officer has investigated and, after the footage was reviewed independently by three former top level referees, a notice of complaint has been issued.

Maclean can accept the two-match suspension for the offence before 3pm on Wednesday or argue his case at a disciplinary tribunal on Thursday.

Clubs were told this summer that these acts would now be considered as "brutality" and a red card offence.

Speaking before the charge was issued, Craig Levein said that the player had told him he had been "doing it for years".

"I'm ruing the fact that they changed the rules this summer, and then it becomes a different offence," Levein said.

"He said he's been doing it for years but I had to chuckle at that. I don't think it was an offence (before), if you know what I mean.

"Obviously we will have to wait and see what happens, we will deal with the situation as it arises."

Should MacLean serve a suspension, it will be a further blow for Hearts after news that Steven Naismith faces a likely six to eight weeks out through injury. Striker Uche Ikpeazu has already been sidelined for six months with a foot injury.

Kilmarnock forward Greg Stewart and Hamilton's Darian McKinnon have also both been charged over separate incidents in their sides' 1-1 draw at Rugby Park.

Stewart has been cited for violent conduct after a head-to-head with Scott Martin is also facing a two-match suspension.

McKinnon was booked during the match for a challenge on Alan Power. Though the incident was seen and dealt with by Euan Anderson, the match official did not see the part of the offence that constituted serious foul play. The player also faces a two-game ban unless he decides to contest the decision.