Celtic to appeal Lennon suspension

CELTIC yesterday announced plans to appeal manager Neil Lennon’s six-match touchline ban from the Scottish Football Association.

The club said they were “very surprised and extremely disappointed” by the sanctions imposed by the SFA’s disciplinary committee.

Lennon saw his original punishment trebled after appealing against an automatic two-match ban for being sent to the stand in a game against Hearts on November 10.

He lost that appeal and received a further four-match ban for the charge of “excessive misconduct” relating to his dismissal in the 2-0 defeat at Tynecastle.

A statement from Celtic yesterday read: “Celtic and Neil Lennon confirmed today that they will be appealing today’s decision by the SFA disciplinary committee to impose a six-match touchline ban.

“We are very surprised and extremely disappointed at today’s decision — we believe the punishment imposed was excessive in the circumstances and to our knowledge unprecedented for a first offence.

“Without question Celtic will be supporting its manager Neil Lennon in his appeal.

“As well as challenging the severity of the punishment imposed, our appeal will also focus on issues of procedural fairness and the manner in which such hearings are conducted.”

Earlier Lennon had appeared in person at Hampden to plead his case.

A statement from the SFA confirmed: “Following a meeting of the Scottish FA’s Disciplinary Committee at Hampden Park today, the Celtic manager, Neil Lennon, was found guilty of excessive misconduct.

“Mr Lennon will serve his automatic two-match ban for being dismissed during the Clydesdale Bank Premier League match against Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle in November 10, 2010, plus an additional four matches for excessive misconduct.’’

Meanwhile, Rangers and Celtic will meet at Ibrox in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup. The Old Firm rivals were paired together in yesterday’s draw at Hampden and the match will be played on February 5 or 6.

Their meeting is the only clear tie at the moment, with replays or re-arranged fixtures yet to determine to rest of the games.

Scottish Cup fifth round draw: Aberdeen v Montrose or Dunfermline, Inverness v Morton or Airdrie, Hamilton v Dundee United or Ross County, Rangers v Celtic, Stenhousemuir or Threave Rovers or Stranraer v Motherwell.