Brown in ban fear
SCOTT LEFT SWEATING
SCOTT BROWN was last night sweating on a possible FIFA ban which could rule him out of the crunch clash with England in June.
FIFA are analysing several flashpoints from Scotland’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win against Slovenia – with skipper Brown at the heart of the controversy.
The match ended with Slovenian players rounding on Brown and accusing the Celtic ace of deliberately stamping on midfielder Jasmin Kurtic.
Just minutes earlier Brown was cynically whacked off the ball by Josip Ilicic.
Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers missed both incidents and took no action against Brown or Ilicic despite protests from both camps.
Brown can argue that TV pictures show he did not look at Kurtic and any ‘stamp’ was purely accidental as he ®Êby IAIN MACFARLANE scrambled to rejoin the play. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed: “We are analysing and gathering information concerning the incidents and, should it be considered appropriate, disciplinary proceedings may be opened.”
Brown is already torn between facing the Auld Enemy at Hampden on Saturday, June 10, or resting after the domestic season finishes with Celtic at the end of May.
The Hoops are due back in preseason training just nine days after the England showdown.
Brown, 32 in June, is not sure he can play for his country and be at his peak for his club as they face vital Champions League qualifiers in July.
Any suspension would be a blow for Scotland boss Gordon Strachan, who is desperate for Brown to postpone his holidays and face England.