Celtic star Ryan Christie faces a two game ban after being cited by the SFA over an incident involving Alfredo Morelos.
The midfielder appeared to grab the Colombian striker by the testicles during the second half of Celtic's 2-1 defeat to Rangers on Sunday.
Christie had already been on a yellow card at the time but referee Kevin Clancy only gave a free kick for the foul on Morelos.
He'll face a panel on January 6 after being cited by the compliance officer for breaking rule 200 of the SFA rulebook.
But Celtic have vowed to battle the charge and say they can't believe the midfielder has been charged.
A statement said: "We are absolutely astonished at this decision. Clearly we will defend Ryan vigorously."
If he is punished then Christie will miss a Scottish Cup game against Partick Thistle and a trip to face Kilmarnock in the league.
Christie has been deemed to make an attempt to grab Morelos in the testicles and it will be viewed as a tackle or challenge that “endangers the safety of an opponent OR uses excessive force or brutality”.
It’s the latter part of that statement that Christie’s challenge could fall under and a punishment consistent with a straight red card could be dished out.
Last season, Steven MacLean was handed a two match ban for violent conduct for grabbing Celtic midfielder Eboue Kouassi.
The difference in the incidents lies with MacLean's happening while Hearts were taking a corner and was therefore not challenging for the ball.
The law is clear that violent conduct occurs while NOT challenging for the ball, while serious foul play is challenging for the ball.
