Celtic to appeal Lennon ban

Celtic have confirmed they will appeal a six-match touchline ban handed to manager Neil Lennon for misconduct.

Lennon was handed the punishment after his appeal against an original two-week ban for his behaviour during Celtic’s defeat against Hearts in November was thrown out, and he was subsequently given a further four-week suspension for ‘excessive misconduct’.

However, Celtic have said they are “very surprised and extremely disappointed” by the Scottish Football Association’s (SFA) decision and confirmed they would fight the ban.

“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. The matter is in the hands of the club’s lawyers,” a statement from Celtic read.

“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.”

“We have maintained for some time that a range of SFA processes and structures needed to be reviewed and updated. This view was supported recently by Henry McLeish in his review of the SFA.”

“Today’s events only underline and reinforce our opinion. 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.”

If Celtic are unsuccessful in overturning the suspension, Lennon will be banned from the dug-out for a host of matches, including the Scottish Cup tie against Old Firm rivals Rangers in early February.

Wed 12 January, 2011