Peat says the SFA are committed to change

Scottish FA president George Peat has angrily criticised Celtic for their reaction to manager Neil Lennon's six-match touchline ban.

Celtic had said Tuesday's punishment underlined their opinion that the SFA's processes need updating.

"Celtic's policy of airing their grievances in public is becoming tiresome," was Peat's response.

"Perhaps Celtic should devote more time to their own responsibilities and discipline than questioning others."

The SPL side released a statement responding to Peat's comments questioning what they term as an "attack" by the SFA President and the timing of his comments.

"We find it slightly curious that once again SFA President, George Peat, has seen fit to involve himself by attacking Celtic in this way," read the statement.

"Particularly when there is an ongoing appeal against yesterday's judgement to impose a six-match ban on Neil Lennon."

On Tuesday, Celtic released a statement after their manager Lennon was banned for six matches by the SFA for 'excessive misconduct' after he was sent to the stand during a match against Hearts at Tynecastle in November.

It is also ironic, given the constant demands for transparency and accountability, that the statement issued by Celtic last night was not attributed to anyone SFA president George Peat

As well as announcing that they planned to appeal the sanction, which they viewed 'excessive and unprecedented for a first offence', they also reiterated their dissatisfaction at the way SFA committees function.

The Celtic statement said: "We have maintained for some time that a range of the SFA's processes and structures needed to be reviewed and updated.

"This view was supported recently by Henry McLeish in his review of the SFA.

"Tuesday's events only underline and reinforce our opinion.

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"Our appeal will also focus on issues of procedural fairness and the manner in which such hearings are conducted."

On Wednesday, Peat questioned the timing of Celtic's statement.

"It is ironic that they have chosen to criticise the Scottish FA's processes and structures yet again on the eve of our two-day seminar which will culminate in a new strategy, incorporating streamlined structures and more efficient procedures," he added.

"It was only a matter of weeks ago that the Celtic chief executive welcomed the Scottish FA's recognition of the need for modernisation.

"It is also ironic, given the constant demands for transparency and accountability, that the statement issued by Celtic last night was not attributed to anyone."

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