Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has avoided a two-match suspension for his “stamp” on Hamilton’s Sam Woods.
The Hoops ace was involved in an early flashpoint at the Fountain of Youth Stadium on Sunday as the champions eventually wore down the home side to run out 4-1 winners, extending their lead at the top of the table to seven points.
Accies lead through Marios Ogkmpoe until Jamie Hamilton was sent off for hauling Griffiths down, allowing Odsonne Edouard to fire Neil Lennon’s side level from the resulting free-kick.
Three goals in the final twelve minutes from Christpher Jullien, Edouard again and James Forrest broke ten-man Accies’ resistance after a spirited display with a man short.
But Brian Rice felt it was Celtic who should been reduced to ten men have before Hamilton’s dismissal.
Griffiths clashed with Woods in an off the ball incident, in which the Scotland striker appeared to bring his foot down on his opponent’s chest as he lay on the deck.
Referee Nick Walsh decided a yellow was sufficient punishment at the time, with Alex Gogic also booked for his reaction.
But the 29-year-old was left in a suspension sweat after the tangle was referred to the Scottish FA’s judicial panel.
And they have decided that Griffiths’ actions did not constitute the use of “excessive force and/or brutality” and has not imposed a two-match ban for violent conduct.
He’ll now be available for Celtic’s trip to Fir Park to face Motherwell tomorrow night as well as Sunday’s William Hill Scottish Cup fifth round encounter with Clyde.
