Celtic has formally challenged the Scottish FA sanctions which would force the club to play their next home Scottish Cup fixture behind closed doors…
The Hoops have also appealed the £100,000 fine imposed following the disorder at the end of last season’s Scottish Cup quarter-final against Rangers at Ibrox.
According to Stephen McGowan, Celtic have decided to fight the decision to lock their supporters out in what appears to be an entirely disproportional response from the SFA.
The sanctions followed clashes involving supporters on the pitch after the fixture, but Celtic have already made clear their belief that the punishment imposed upon the club is disproportionate. Rangers have lodged a corresponding appeal against their punishment.
An appeal hearing is reportedly scheduled for October 26. At this hearing, Celtic will make their case to have the decision revisited by the governing body to ensure that ordinary, match going supporters are not impacted by the decision.
The prospect of a closed Celtic Park for a Scottish Cup tie would carry both sporting and financial consequences, while removing thousands of supporters who had no involvement in the events which prompted the disciplinary proceedings. The opportunity for the SFA to take action would have been the League Cup meeting earlier this month after Celtic faced Rangers at Ibrox. This could have helped achieve a proportionate result – banning away fans and the section of the Copeland Road Stand that were responsible for coming on the pitch.
The appeal will now determine whether the original punishment remains intact, is reduced or is overturned ahead of Celtic’s entry into this season’s competition.
