The SFA have released the reasoning behind Ryan Christie 's two-match ban for striking Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos in the groin.
The Celtic midfielder was hit with a notice of complaint after the match on December 29 and subsequently hit with a ban.
The governing body imposed a two-match suspension for striking Morelos in the testicles, with a further one game ban automatically applied after Christie was sent off against Livingston.
Today the reasoning behind the decision has been released, with the SFA confirming that Christie was cited as he "deliberately committed a violent act whereby he struck an opponent in the groin, with excessive force when not challenging for the ball".
Referee Kevin Clancy and his officials confirmed that they hadn't seen the incident and compliance officer Clare Whyte brought the charge of brutality due to "the sensitivity of the area of the body targeted".
A panel of three former referees all agreed that the incident warranted a red card for violent conduct, with two believing brutality was also evident.
Christie spoke in his defence via video link from Celtic's training camp in Dubai while a lawyer attended the hearing in person.
A Celtic official was also in attendance but "neither represented the player nor spoke on his behalf at the hearing".
Christie and his team attempted to argue that the video evidence was not of sufficient quality to be included and that he hadn't actually struck Morelos directly in the groin, submitting that the "specific element of the physical act" in the notice of complaint should be disregarded.
The panel decided that it would "apply its discretion" to the video footage while considering "all available evidence" and included "an option for the tribunal to amend the terms of the notice of complaint if deemed necessary".
The tribunal "viewed the available footage of the incident and considered the submissions from both parties" but ultimately decided that a two-match ban was warranted.
