Cup suspension for Stokes

Anthony STOKES has been handed a one-game ban following an incident at the end of Celtic’s 2-1 William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Hearts at Hampden on Sunday.

Referee Euan Norris included an ‘A5’ offence by the Hoops striker in his match report, which pertains to “offensive, insulting and/or abusive language and/or gestures”.

Stokes and the Parkhead club were informed by Norris that he was to be mentioned in his report at the time, which in effect was a red card.

The suspension is specific to the Scottish Cup, which means the Irish striker will miss Celtic’s first tie in next season’s tournament.

An SFA spokesman said: “A report has been submitted and the player has been notified of an A5 offence.”