Celtic to appeal 'excessive' Brown ban

Celtic will appeal against Scott Brown’s three-match Champions League ban after describing UEFA’s punishment for his red card against Barcelona as “excessive”.

UEFA earlier announced that its control and disciplinary committee had decided to give Brown an additional two-match ban on top of the automatic suspension he received for his petulant kick at Neymar during Celtic’s 1-0 defeat earlier this month.

The Celtic captain was always due to miss the visit of Ajax next Tuesday but he will now also sit out the return match in Amsterdam and the visit of AC Milan, unless Celtic are successful in their challenge.

A statement on the UEFA punishment on Celtic’s official website read: “The club finds this to be excessive and they will be appealing against the decision.”

The Scotland midfielder was shown a straight red card just before the hour mark, with the game goalless, after bringing down Neymar and then catching him with his boot while the Brazilian was lying on the ground. Celtic went on to lose 1-0.

But manager Neil Lennon later called French referee Stephane Lannoy’s decision “debatable” and called the offence a “tap” which drew an over-reaction from Neymar.

Speaking immediately after the October 1 match at Parkhead, Lennon said: “I think it is very soft.

“If there was any contact, it was minimal. There was a lot more in a game that warranted heavier punishment.

“I don’t think the initial tackle was a severe one. It is a physical game. I don’t think Neymar does himself any favours with the way he behaves at times.”

The UEFA decision is a serious blow to Celtic’s chances of overcoming defeats in their opening two group games and qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages for a second season running.

Lennon has major fitness doubts over winger Derk Boerrigter and defender Mikael Lustig for the visit of the Dutch champions, while Adam Matthews and Steven Mouyokolo are long-term absentees.