BROWN’SOLD FIRMBOOST
SCOTT SCOT BROWN is set to face RangersR in this season’s final fina Old Firm derby afterafte the SFA moved his disciplinary dis hearing. It’s a timely boost for the treble Treble chasers as Ryan Christie was ruled out of the Cup Final with multiple facial fractures. Brown was rapped by the
SFA for “failing to act in the best interests of Scottish football” when celebrating in front of the Rangers fans after the win on March 31.
The hearing has been brought forward a week at Celtic’s request in a move that could help Brown avoid any potential ban for the trip to face Rangers.
His case will now go in front of the panel next Friday, April 26 instead of Thursday, May 2.
An SFA spokesman said: “Clubs can request a change of date for hearings and as long as it’s a reasonable request the SFA will always try to accommodate.”
Celts meet Hibs on Sunday before Brown’s hearing. They then face Kilmarnock and Aberdeen before the Ibrox clash on May 12.
It means he’d have to be slapped with a three-game ban to miss the derby.
The Hoops vowed to “vigorously” contest the charges levelled at both their skipper and the club.
Meanwhile, Christie’s horror face injury has ruled him out the Final with Jack Hendry out for the season with a hamstring strain.
Christie hoped to make a quick return from the head knock suffered in the win over Aberdeen but Neil Lennon revealed it’s unlikely following surgery to repair multiple facial fractures.
The Celts boss said: “We just have to look after him as best as we can and get him back for next season.”
SFA chiefs last night announced the Final is set for a 50/50 split of tickets between Celtic and Hearts.