Esmael Goncalves is charged with diving

Esmael Goncalves has been issued with a Notice of Complaint by the Scottish Football Association’s compliance officer for alleged simulation during St Mirren’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Celtic in Paisley on Sunday.

The Saints striker won a penalty for the home side when he went to ground following a challenge by Emilio Izaguirre, which Paul McGowan converted to level Kris Commons’ early opener.

Goncalves has allegedly breached rule 202, which refers to “causing a match official to make an incorrect decision by committing an act of simulation” and has been offered a fixed two-match suspension.

The on-loan Rio Ave striker has until Thursday to respond. If the fixed penalty offer is refused, a hearing will take place next Thursday, 11 April.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon raged at the “appalling” performance of referee Bobby Madden after the controversial encounter, which also saw Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama shown a red card after the break for a challenge on McGowan.

On the Goncalves incident, the Northern Irishman said: “The penalty that St Mirren did get was outside the box and there was no contact.”