Miller time as Strachan sweats over appeal verdict

CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan could be facing a lengthy touchline ban after he was sent from the dug-out following a spat with a steward during the Hoops’ 3-1 victory at Aberdeen yesterday.

Strachan is due to put his case against a four-game sentence on Wednesday imposed after he was ordered to the stand for alleged dissent during Hearts’ victory at Parkhead in April. The Hoops boss was given a two-game touchline ban earlier last term – as the result of a clash with Hearts coach John McGlynn – which is why the punishment would be increased for the second offence. If he loses his appeal, he could potentially be hit with an additional six-match ban depending on what is contained in referee Charlie Richmond’s report on yesterday’s game, as his third offence in two seasons would carry an even greater punishment.

The controversial incident flared up shortly after substitute Kenny Miller gave Celtic an 85th-minute lead in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash at Pittodrie. Celtic assistant manager Garry Pendrey made a gesture to the Main Stand crowd showing that Celtic were winning 2-1, which prompted a steward to claim that Pendrey had flashed an offensive ’V-sign’.