Dougal unhappy with Lennon ban Lennon given three-game ban

Officials believe that Lennon's punishment was too lenient for barging referee Stuart Dougal.

But Clark told BBC Sport: "From time to time, I ask players during a game to show some respect for opponents by not trying to get them booked.

"And arguing with me over decisions, because it won't change what I do."

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has made a point of praising Scottish officials after Lennon's disciplinary hearing.

And Clark, who takes charge of Saturday's meeting between Scottish Premier League Leaders Hearts and champions Rangers, said: "We know that a certain amount of criticism is part of the territory.

Donald McVicar is absolutely delighted with the relationship I and my staff have got with the referees and fourth officials Celtic manager Gordon Strachan

"But the big concern that we have is not for ourselves but for the welfare of those refereeing in public parks in amateur and junior football, where there is much greater risk.

"We make mistakes, but players make plenty of mistakes too.

"Hopefully, all of that balances out during the course of a game or the season."

Meanwhile, Strachan says that Scottish Football Association's head of referees department, Donald McVicar, does not have a bad word to say about the club's behaviour.

"I spoke to Donald McVicar in midweek and he is absolutely delighted with the relationship I and my staff have got with the referees and fourth officials," said Strachan.

"There has not been a negative report from a referee so far this year and the behaviour of the dugout has been fine.

"I am delighted with our relationship with them and I hope that continues."

Strachan is a disciplinarian and has promised to come down heavy on anybody at Celtic Park if they step out of line with his code of conduct.

"I don't have to chat to the players about it," he added.

"I have said to the SFA we've got our disciplinary code into line from the under-10s right through and everybody knows how we should be behaving.