No action to be taken against Leigh Griffiths over 'stamp'

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths will face no further action over an alleged stamping incident during his side’s match against Hamilton Accies on Sunday.

After a challenge with Accies defender Sam Woods, Griffiths appeared to plant his foot in the prone player’s chest. During the flashpoint, the Celtic forward pushed Alex Gogic and was shown a yellow card by referee Nick Walsh.

Following the match, which Celtic won 4-1, Accies boss Brian Rice said that Griffiths had deliberately stamped on his player and should have been sent off, with Celtic manager Neil Lennon defending his player and saying he had a clear view of the incident.

The incident was reviewed by the Scottish FA compliance officer, who passes video to three former top flight referees for review. All three have to agree that a red card offence was missed if further action is to be taken.

After viewing the Griffiths incident, there was no consensus from the panel of experts so no notice of complaint will be issued.

Lennon had said on Tuesday morning that he would be “bewildered” if the forward was cited and called to a disciplinary hearing.

“I would be very disappointed because I saw it at the time,” he said. “There was no malice in it. His leg was trapped and he was trying to get up.

“So I would be bewildered if anything came from that. I am not sure how much contact he made with the player.

“I’ve not seen it again on camera but I do know from a footballing point of view… he is trying to get up rather than lift his leg and put it down on the player.

“What disappointed me was him pushing the player after it. We are huge on discipline and team discipline and we have had a quiet word with him about it.”