Former Rangers striker Mark Hateley insists Odsonne Edouard should be suspended for Saturday's visit to Ibrox.
Footage has surfaced on social media of the Celtic striker making a heavy challenge on Peter Pawlett during the 3-0 win over Dundee United.
The Frenchman was not punished by Willie Collum and while there's a chance the incident could be looked at retrospectively, there is no chance the case can be fast tracked before derby day as the SFA offices are closed over New Year.
But pundit Hateley has slammed Edouard's 'dangerous lunge' and insists he should have received his marching orders and subsequently ban for the Rangers clash.
He told the Daily Record: “It’s a lunge, it’s an out-of-control tackle, it’s over the top of the ball and there’s contact.
“Willie Collum is standing about 10 feet away looking straight at it.
“It’s a dangerous challenge and it’s a red card offence. So, he should be out of the Old Firm game.
“And he would be a huge miss for them in what is such an important game. He’s got that X-factor that any team would like to have."
Hately likened the incident to Alfredo Morelos' forearm smash on Mark Connolly where he was handed a two-game suspension in the wake of their 2-1 win at Tannadice.
He added: “You look at Alfredo Morelos’ challenge in the Dundee United game when he used his arm.
“I said straight away in our post-match reaction on Ten10 podcasts that it was a red card and he should have gone.
“He was subsequently offered a two-match ban and the club accepted it.
“This is what should happen with Edouard. I fully expect the same scenario to unfold.
“But it seems that the SFA’s fast track process isn’t fast enough – although Celtic would probably appeal it anyway.”
