The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Celtic facing double rap after Jags and Accies games
Celtic face a double disciplinary charge over claims they failed to keep their players in check during recent clashes with Hamilton and Partick Thistle.
The Hoops have been issued with a notice of complaint relating to last month’s William Hill Scottish Cup win at Firhill and Sunday’s 4-1 triumph over Accies at the Foys Stadium.
Hamilton have also been charged with breaching the same disciplinary rule 204 and both clubs face a maximum fine of £20,000 if found guilty.
The news comes 24 hours after Hoops striker Leigh Griffiths learned he would not face action over his alleged stamp on Accies defender Sam Woods.
But both clubs will now have to answer for the conduct of the players during the melee that followed the first-half bust-up at a hearing set for Thursday February 20.
The flashpoint occurred after Griffiths dragged Woods to the ground following a clash on the halfway line and then appeared to bring his right foot down on Woods’ prone body.
The Scotland striker and Hamilton midfielder Alex Gogic were both booked after an exchange of pushes as players from both sides rushed in.
The other Celtic charge relates to a stoppage-time incident during their 2-1 cup victory over the Jags at Firhill on January 18.
Defender Jozo Simunovic was seen to confront referee Alan Muir after the official handed Thistle a late penalty.
Motherwell were handed a censure and a suspended £2,500 fine back in October after defender Richard Tait was accused of a similar offence after giving away a spot-kick during a win at St Johnstone.
Rangers and Hibernian will learn their fate today after they were also charged by compliance officer Claire Whyte.
Striker Alfredo Morelos and winger Ryan Kent both escaped individual punishment for gestures made during the December 29 Old Firm game but Rangers as a club have been sanctioned. Coach Michael Beale also faces a misconduct charge for his protests in the wake of the Colombian’s sending-off.