Strachan plays down ref row

CELTIC MANAGER Gordon Strachan is adamant referee Stuart Dougal’s decision to send him to the stand during their surprise defeat to Hearts will not take the shine off the Hoops’ title celebrations.

The Parkhead side clinched the title last week at Rugby Park but a victory for the Jambos preceded the presentation of the trophy in front of around 60,000 Celtic supporters.

As Hearts substitute Neil McCann waited to come on for Saulius Mikoliunas moments after Michal Pospisil had scored the third from the spot, Strachan appeared to whisper something into the former Rangers player’s ear, prompting Dougal to send him to the stand.