Celtic have criticised the Scottish Football Association (SFA) after their appeal against a stadium closure was only partially upheld, accusing the governing body of drawing a "false equivalence" with Rangers.
The Scottish Cup holders had taken their case to Hampden chiefs over the punishment imposed following ugly scenes at Ibrox last season. Fans from both ends invaded the pitch after Celtic's penalty shootout win over Rangers, with police and stewards forced to intervene to prevent the violent scenes from escalating further.
Sanctions and Appeal
Both clubs were told their next Scottish Cup home game would be played behind closed doors and ordered to pay the opposition £100,000 to cover lost revenue. They were also warned that a further game would be played behind closed doors if there was any fan trouble at a cup game before the end of the season, but that threat has now been scrapped following the appeal.
Celtic, however, insist they should not have received the same punishment as their rivals, claiming there is a "very obvious distinction" in the case.
Celtic's Response
A statement from the club read: "While we recognise that our appeal has been partially upheld, we remain extremely disappointed by this excessive and disproportionate punishment relating to an incursion by supporters at a moment of emotion and celebration."
"It continues to be our view that a false equivalence has been drawn in relation to the very different actions of two groups. We have not defended supporters entering the field of play and understand the part emotion plays in football. We would have expected this context and the very obvious distinction in behaviours to have been recognised."
The statement added: "Additionally, the fact that Celtic Football Club had no responsibility for stadium safety arrangements also seems to have been disregarded in establishing these sanctions."
