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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark McDougall

Celtic slam SFA's Jon Flanagan decision as 'huge embarrassment'

Celtic have hit out at the SFA's decision not to ban Jon Flanagan for an incident involving Scott Brown.

The defender was booked by referee Kevin Clancy and then hauled in front of the game's governing body after the compliance officer had deemed it worthy of a red card.

But Rangers won their case and it was kept a yellow meaning Flanagan is available for the final game of the season against Kilmarnock.

And Celtic aren't happy with the decision as they slammed the SFA.

A Celtic spokesperson said: "This whole matter is a huge embarrassment for Scottish football."

(SNS Group)

Earlier this week, Rangers had angrily criticised the call to hit Flanagan with a notice of complaint after the game.

They said: “Once again, there seems intent to change the decision of a referee in a match involving Rangers.

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“There seems to be a steady erosion of respect for Scotland’s referees and the authority they are meant to enjoy under Rule 5 of the Laws of the Game.

“The decisions of referees regarding facts connected with play are meant to be final, but referees are now routinely invited to change their decisions after a game has finished.

“It is particularly shocking that another Rangers’ player has been singled out for retrospective action and issued with a notice of complaint while Jozo Simunovic, the Celtic player who used an elbow to fell Jermain Defoe, has escaped any kind of censure.

“Why did one incident escape punishment while the other is now deemed worthy of a red card?

“We cannot understand how these two incidents could be studied, yet only one be considered worthy of punishment. 

“It seems as if Rangers’ players are being held to a different code of conduct from players at other clubs.

“We shall vigorously defend Mr Flanagan and have also asked for full transparency on what matters are brought forward for retrospective action. Are those decisions being made even-handedly?”

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