Celtic & Hamilton charged by Scottish FA for not acting in ‘orderly fashion’

Celtic and Hamilton Academical have been charged by the Scottish FA for failing to act “in an orderly fashion” in Sunday's Scottish Premiership game.

It relates to a first-half incident when players from each team surrounded referee Nick Walsh after Leigh Griffiths stood on Accies' Sam Woods.

The clubs face a hearing at Hampden on 20 February.

“I didn't think there was much in it but we'll see what the hearing brings,” Celtic manager Neil Lennon said.

Celtic have also been charged with the same offence in their Scottish Cup tie at Partick Thistle on 18 January.

The complaint in that instance relates to defender Jozo Simunovic confronting referee Alan Muir after Thistle were awarded a penalty.

They have been charged under disciplinary rule 204 which states players and staff must “conduct themselves in an orderly fashion at all times” and refrain from “confrontation” and “conduct likely to lead to or to exacerbate or prolong a hostile or argumentative situation”.

If found guilty, the clubs could face a fine ranging from £2,500 to £20,000.

Premiership leaders Celtic won the match 4-1 at Hamilton's Fountain of Youth Stadium, with Griffiths avoiding further punishment for his tangle with Woods, which happened when the game was goalless.

The Griffiths incident was referred by Scottish FA compliance officer Clare Whyte to a three-man panel of former referees, who did not agree it was a red-card offence.

“From the angle I saw it at, I knew there was no malice or intent in it so the correct decision was made,” added Lennon, speaking on BBC Scotland.

Hamilton were later reduced to 10 men in the first half when Jamie Hamilton received a straight red for denying Griffiths a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Celtic won the cup tie with Thistle 2-1 to progress to a meeting with League One Clyde on Sunday.