‘Vague’ Uefa explanation gives Lennon real confidence of cutting Brown ban
Celtic want skipper back for Milan clash
CELTIC manager Neil Lennon has expressed his opinion that the club have a “good case” as they attempt to have Scott Brown’s Champions League ban reduced from three games to at least two.
Brown’s was red carded against Barcelona just over three weeks ago for aiming a kick at Brazilian winger Neymar. Brown was initially handed an automatic one-match ban but Uefa’s control and disciplinary committee extended it to three, citing violent conduct.
However, Lennon yesterday described the written explanation from Uefa outlining why their reasons as “vague”.
Lennon mounted a strong defence of his player at the time, even though many observers felt referee Stephane Lannoy’s red card had been warranted. Brown himself accepted responsibility for his actions and issued a statement on the club’s website the following day in which he admitted he “shouldn’t have acted in this way”.
However, Celtic are perturbed by what they described as the “excessive” length of ban the player has now been issued with and are seeking to have the suspension reduced. Celtic have already indicated their intention to appeal and must now submit their written documentation to Uefa within five days.
Asked if he had studied the written reasons for the ban, Lennon replied: “Yes, it is quite vague”. He went on: “I am not convinced by the wording of it. I think we have a good case to appeal it.”
Celtic want to be able to call on Brown for the home clash with AC Milan on 26 November, a game that could be of vital significance to the side’s hopes of progressing to the Champions League knockout stage.
Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over Ajax resuscitated their hopes of progressing and Celtic now face a return match against the same opponents in Amsterdam on 6 November.
Brown is currently due to sit out that game. While Celtic accept that will likely still be the case even if they win the appeal, having the skipper available for the match against the Italians later the same month would be a huge boost.
If Celtic fail in their appeal it won’t be the crushing blow it might otherwise have seemed, with Israeli Beram Kayal having re-emerged as the combative midfielder who quickly endeared himself to the supporters when he arrived at the club three years ago.
Kayal was handed a significant vote of confidence by Lennon when asked to step into Brown’s boots on Tuesday and capped an impressive performance with his side’s second goal