Celtic fined by Scottish FA over Partick Thistle flashpoint

Celtic have been fined £4000 by the Scottish FA over the conduct of their players in a recent Scottish Cup game.

The club had been called to account over confrontations in games against Partick Thistle and Hamilton, with Accies cleared of a similar charge by the governing body.

After a hearing in front of an independent panel on Thursday, Celtic were found to have broken the rules over player behaviour in the cup game against Thistle on January 19, which they won 2-1.

The case is understood to centre on an incident where Celtic players crowded around referee Alan Muir after he awarded Thistle a late penalty.

Neil Lennon’s side were cited under disciplinary rule 204, which states: “All clubs and recognised football bodies shall procure that its officials, team staff, employees and players conduct themselves in an orderly fashion at all times during and/or after a match.

“In particular, clubs and recognised football bodies are responsible for ensuring that its officials, team staff, employees and players refrain from any one or a combination of the following: (a) becoming involved in a confrontation (b) conduct that is likely to lead to or to exacerbate or prolong a hostile or argumentative situation with players and/or team staff from the opposing team and/or match officials (c) conduct that may otherwise incite disorder.”

The charge from the game against Accies was not proven, while a similar case against the Lanarkshire club was dropped.