Neil Lennon brands Celtic's SFA charge as 'ridiculous'

Neil Lennon has described the Scottish FA’s decision to charge Celtic over the conduct of their players as “ridiculous” and hopes a disciplinary panel throws out the case.

The club have been cited over incidents during wins against Partick Thistle and Hamilton, with the latter being something made frrom nothing, as Lennon sees it.

The charge comes after news that no further action over an alleged stamp from Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths on Accies’ Sam Woods. Celtic have now been called to a disciplinary tribunal over the aftermath, which saw players clash briefly.

“It’s ridiculous,” Lennon said. “We’ll wait and see what happens on the 20th of February, but I didn’t think there was anything in it.

“The media didn’t even ask me about it after the game so I’m hoping nothing comes of it.

“For me Leigh didn’t do anything wrong. It was accidental and there was no malice or intent. If there was, I’d be the first to say.

What annoyed me was him pushing the guy [Alex Gogic] after it so I had a quick chat with him about that.

“In terms of this new charge, I’m very surprised by it.”

Lennon was speaking after seeing his side maintain their lead at the top of the Premiership table with an impressive 4-0 win at Motherwell. Odsonne Edouard scored twice with Leigh Griffiths and Callum McGregor also on the scoresheet.

“The quality of our play, motivation, hunger, desire and the quality of our goals was spectacular,” he said. “All credit to the players for a magnificent win. It’s not often you come here and win 4-0.

“We’ve started the second half of the season brilliantly.

“[Edouard] is just special. When he’s in that sort of form then he’s a joy to watch. His link up play with Leigh Griffiths was very creative and a joy to watch but he’s just, at 22 years old, an outstanding footballer. He’s so important to us at the moment.”