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Page last updated at 17:23 GMT, Monday, 15 November 2010

Neil Lennon to answer 'excessive misconduct' charge

Neil Lennon and St Mirren's Danny Lennon
Lennon was on the touchline with St Mirren counterpart Danny Lennon on Sunday

Celtic manager Neil Lennon will be called before the Scottish FA's disciplinary committee after being reported for "excessive misconduct".

Lennon was sent to the stand during last week's defeat by Hearts, an offence that incurs an automatic two-match touchline suspension.

However, referee Craig Thomson's report includes a separate charge of excessive misconduct.

Lennon has indicated he will contest any ban from the dugout.

The Celtic boss was dismissed by Thomson after he claimed his side should have been awarded a penalty during the 2-0 reverse at Tynecastle.

After Sunday's 1-0 win over St Mirren, Lennon was widely quoted as saying: "I haven't looked at the report yet.

"But I will do. I will be defending my position, no doubt about it."

Lennon had said immediately after the defeat by Hearts that he could not understand why he had been ordered to leave pitch-side.

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In a later interview, he made it clear he had no intention of toning down his passion in the dugout.

Lennon had remonstrated with the fourth official after no penalty was awarded to Celtic when Hearts midfielder Ryan Stevenson appeared to handle the ball inside the penalty box with the Edinburgh side already 2-0 ahead.

The Celtic manager had earlier been angered by the sending off of Joe Ledley for a strong challenge on Ian Black.

Lennon revealed last week that the Glasgow club would not be appealing against the red card shown to the midfielder.

Celtic's relationship with officials has been strained in recent months, during which they have twice written for clarification over refereeing decisions.

Dougie McDonald's reversal of a penalty award to Celtic against Dundee United led to the referee receiving a warning - and to assistant referee Steven Craven quitting.

The referee admitted that a false explanation had been given to Lennon about the reasons for the decision during Celtic's 2-1 win.

Celtic were also angered by a penalty awarded against them in their next match, a 3-1 defeat by title rivals Rangers.

The SFA have not yet received any indication that Lennon will fight the automatic two-match touchline ban, although the club have until Friday to lodge an appeal against the suspension.

If found guilty of the excessive misconduct charge by the disciplinary committee on 7 December, he could be punished further.



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see also
St Mirren 0-1 Celtic
14 Nov 10 |  Scottish Premier
Lennon defends touchline conduct
12 Nov 10 |  Celtic
Lennon to receive two-match ban
11 Nov 10 |  Celtic
Hearts 2-0 Celtic
10 Nov 10 |  Scottish Premier


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