Celtic want reform after Lennon ban

Celtic have revived attempts to force reform of the Scottish Football Association after manager Neil Lennon was hit with a six-match touchline ban.

Celtic, who travel to Hamilton tonight in the SPL, immediately announced they would appeal against an additional four-match ban given to Lennon for "excessive misconduct" after his automatic two-game suspension for his dismissal against Hearts in November was upheld yesterday.

The club declared themselves "very surprised and extremely disappointed" by the sanctions imposed by the SFA's disciplinary committee.

The shock punishment, for disputing a rejected penalty claim in a 2-0 defeat and Lennon's subsequent reaction to his dismissal by Craig Thomson, came after Celtic had drawn back from their dispute with the SFA towards the end of last year.

Celtic chairman John Reid backed SFA chief executive Stewart Regan's plan to reform the organisation's decision-making procedures in November, pulling back from the conflict which had escalated when Dougie McDonald lied to Lennon about the circumstances behind a rescinded penalty.

McDonald's resignation as a referee eased tensions but the severe punishment for Lennon, more than two months after his crime, drew a strong and instant reaction from Celtic Park.

A statement from Celtic read: "We are very surprised and extremely disappointed at the decision - we believe the punishment imposed was excessive and to our knowledge unprecedented for a first offence.

"As well as challenging the severity of the punishment, our appeal will also focus on issues of procedural fairness and the manner in which such hearings are conducted."