Artur Boruc fined £500 over Old Firm gestures

Almost two months after the incident on August 31, Boruc had his case for improper conduct heard by a Scottish Football Association disciplinary committee today.

He was found guilty, fined, severely censured and warned about his future conduct. He has seven working days to appeal the decision.

At the same disciplinary meeting today, Hibernian boss Mixu Paatelainen lost his appeal against the four-match touchline ban imposed following his sending off in the August 26 Co-operative Insurance Cup defeat to Morton.

The length of the punishment was the result of the dismissal being Paatelainen's second of the campaign.

He served a two-match ban after being sent to the stands during pre-season.

His latest suspension will take effect seven days from today and will therefore begin with the Clydesdale Bank Premier League trip to Hibernian on November 1.

Boruc and Paatelainen's hearings were held over from September 16.

The former was charged after an SFA review panel examined photographs appearing to show the Poland international gesturing towards Rangers supporters.

The 28-year-old has found himself in hot water in the past for his antics during derby matches.

Paatelainen, meanwhile, was dismissed for his reaction to Morton's two extra-time goals which knocked his side out of the League Cup.

The Finn had insisted all he did was throw a towel to the ground.

Boruc's case was held over from September 16 in order to allow him to prepare for the following night's Champions League opener against Aalborg.

Paatelainen's case was postponed because referee Iain Brines and fourth official George Salmond, who officiated against Morton, were unable to attend the meeting.

BORUC'S CONTROVERSIAL PAST

2006: August – Cautioned for breach of the peace for obscene gestures made to Rangers fans during an Old Firm match six months earlier. Strathclyde Police denied the Pole had been punished for blessing himself.

2007: May – Police raise concerns with Celtic and the Scottish Premier League after Boruc runs across Ibrox with a 'Champions' flag following defeat at Ibrox.

September – Escapes action after he is photographed making a rude gesture towards Hibernian fans after his mistakes helped Hibs to a 3-2 win over Celtic at Easter Road.

October – Refuses to shake hands with Rangers players following an Ibrox defeat. He later accuses his opponents of "provoking" and "offending" him during the game and added: "I don't like this club, these players."

2008: March – Booked for waving towards Hibs fans following a 2-0 win at Easter Road. Referee Iain Brines later defends his decision, accusing the Pole of making "inflammatory" gestures.

May – Celebrates victory over Rangers at Parkhead by unveiling a 'God bless the Pope' T-shirt.

June – Poland manager Leo Beenhakker defends Boruc after he is accused of going on the rampage in the tunnel following the late penalty award that denied his country victory over Euro 2008 hosts Austria. The Dutchman said: "The lad had just become a father to a son so he was still highly emotional."

August – Left out of the squad for Poland's opening World Cup qualifiers after breaching disciplinary rules by checking out of the team hotel following a friendly against Ukraine. Reports claim Boruc had been fined 50,000 for a similar incident during Celtic's pre-season trip to Holland.

September – Charged with improper conduct by the Scottish Football Association following Celtic's home defeat by Rangers after photographs show him making a one-fingered gesture to the visiting fans. He is later fined 500.