BBC pundits insist charge against Celtic striker Albian Ajeti sets 'dangerous precedent'

The citation of Albian Ajeti for simulation in Celtic’s 4-0 midweek victory over Kilmarnock sets a “dangerous precedent”, according to BBC Scotland’s Sportsound pundits.

Celtic striker Albian Ajeti goes down under the attentions of Killie goalkeeper Colin Doyle. Picture: SNS

The Swiss striker won his side a penalty at Rugby Park as he went down under the attentions of goalkeeper Colin Doyle.

Though replays showed the attacker appearing to exaggerate in order to win the foul, there was contact from Doyle on the Parkhead star’s heel. Despite this, a panel of three ex-referees chose to punish the player with a two-game ban, a charge that Celtic are appealing.

Talking about the incident ahead of Celtic’s match with Motherwell on Saturday, BBC Scotland’s experts believe banning players for such an action could open the floodgates.

James McFadden said: "It’s a strange one where there is actual contact and they’ve pulled him up for diving. It’s a dangerous precedent to set when there’s actual contact and they’ve cited him anyway.”

Michael Stewart added: "Everyone who watches it knows Ajeti knows exactly what he’s doing, he’s manufactured the situation, but there is contact. So who is now to assess whether that contact is enough for a retrospective two-game ban? I don’t think it is.

"I think it’s a dangerous precedent when you’ve got the contact there. I think you have to be definitive and there’s no way of doing that when there is some contact.”

While Glasgow City star Leanne Crichton said: "I find it baffling that they’ve taken up this debate. But I do think he’ll get the ban because why bring it up as a notice of complaint if they’re not going to follow through?”

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