Celtic must wait for missile verdict

Celtic will have to wait until next month before learning whether they will be punished by the Scottish Football Association for yesterday’s missile-throwing incident.

Fernando Ricksen needed a stitch inserted in a head wound after being struck by what is believed to be a cigarette lighter, thrown from either the North or the Lisbon Lions stands, towards the end of Rangers’ 2-0 Old Firm victory.

The SFA were today awaiting the report of referee Mike McCurry but, irrespective of whether that ugly flash-point is included, their disciplinary committee will discuss the incident when they meet again next time during March.

Drew Herbertson, head of the disciplinary and refereeing department, told the Press Association: “We will firstly await the report from the referee and presuming that incident is reported, copies of the report will then be sent out to Celtic to obtain comment from them.

“But there is no doubt that other things will be happening as well in terms of investigating matters. We will be liaising with police as well in due course and that matter will go before the disciplinary committee.

“There will be no change until the next disciplinary meeting in mid-March.”

Ricksen was hit seconds after applauding the away support but Hampden Park chiefs are refusing to speculate on what action Celtic could be facing.

Herbertson added: “It would be inappropriate to say what ultimate action might be taken against the club.”

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill condemned the culprits after praising the behaviour of the Celtic fans on Friday.

But the SFA have expressed their concern that the unwanted problem has showed signs of creeping back into the game.

Similar missile-throwing incidents also occurred at the FA Cup matches between Everton and Manchester United on Saturday and Burnley against Blackburn yesterday.

The SFA have expressed their sympathy to Celtic and have noted their quick response in vowing to track the offenders down and possibly banning them from the ground for life.

They kicked out the supporter who hit referee Hugh Dallas during an Old Firm game in 1999.

Herbertson said: “The club itself are doing what it can to identify who might be responsible and we recognise that.

“These matches are heavily policed but these things happen from time to time. It’s hard to stop people throwing objects but that will be dealt with by the disciplinary committee.

“It is the last things we want to see happening when a participant on the field of play is hit by an object.”