Celtic could face disciplinary proceedings over a controversial piece of commentary by former captain Tom Boyd during Saturday’s League Cup victory over Dunfermline.
Boyd, commentating for CelticTV, was heavily critical of the referee for denying the Hoops a penalty in the 2-1 win.
“If he doesn’t know that’s a penalty he should not be in the middle of the park refereeing a football game,” Boyd said.
“He’ll probably be welcomed down his pub tonight again.”
The comments could be seen to go against the Scottish FA rules that ‘material does not contain any criticism of any match official calculated to indicate bias or incompetence on the part of such match official or to impinge upon his character’.
Boyd added: “Old law, new law, no matter what kind of law, that is a penalty. How John Beaton hasn’t given that… we’ve seen it before from referees like this. John Beaton not giving us penalty, absolutely stunning decision… standing alone there, I wonder what his thoughts are.
“I’m mystified… I’m not mystified. John Beaton as though it was a pre-meditated decision not to give that penalty because it was so late in the game, I’m not sure.
“It’s come off his arm. Regardless of players down or whatever, he’s not given a drop ball. So he’s seen it hit the hand of the Dunfermline player and it should be a penalty. Outrageous decision from John Beaton.
“We’ve not played well, but once again a decision from a referee may cost us in this game, hopefully we’ll go on and beat not the 10 men, not the 11 men of Dunfermline, but the 12 men.”
A Scottish FA compliance officer is set to review Boyd’s take on the incident.
Celtic said in a statement: “We have had absolutely no contact from the SFA in relation to this matter and, given the context and circumstances in which the comments were made, would be astonished if the matter were to be progressed.
“If it is, then we will respond robustly.”
Dunfermline took Celtic to extra-time on Saturday with Tom Beadling cancelling out Mikey Johnston’s opener, before James Forrest netted a winner for the Hoops five minutes from the end of the added 30.