CELTIC have hit out at the SFA over the ban handed to Ryan Christie in a strong-worded statement.
The midfielder has been hit with a three-match ban after he appeared to grab Rangers forward Alfredo Morelos’ testicles.
And the Hoops have called for a ‘disciplinary process which is fair, consistent and fit for purpose’ in a blistering statement.
They said: “Celtic Football Club and Ryan Christie are extremely disappointed at the outcome of the hearing today.
“Given the recent treatment of Celtic players and the lack of sanctions being imposed on those responsible, the fact that a sanction has been imposed on Ryan for the incident in question demonstrates a worrying lack of consistency in the Scottish FA fast track process.
“Naturally, we will be contacting the Scottish FA regarding our concerns. Scottish football deserves a disciplinary process which is fair, consistent and fit for purpose.”
The Parkhead club last week insisted they would defend Christie ‘vigorously’ after the initial charge was announced.
Speaking at the Hoops’ training camp in Dubai last night, John Kennedy said the governing body would be crazy to do Christie for the grab.
He said: “I didn’t know about it until later when somebody told me. I find it very surprising.
“The incident itself? I have seen these situations before, what they are trying to accuse him of if you are static in the box at a corner kick and are marking somebody and you do a fly one.
MOST READ
“But to be involved in the game and somebody goes by you, to accuse him of trying to grab him by the genitals is crazy.
“Ryan is not that type of player for a start. He has genuinely gone in and he goes by him.
CLOSING IN Rangers close wage gap on Celtic with average salary shooting up almost £200k
“What naturally happens is you try to grab something. It just so happens that it was what it was.
“I would be astounded if he is found guilty of it and they follow through with the charge.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page