Rumour Mill: Griffiths | Kayal | Fletcher

Leigh Griffiths at the opening of the Celtic Way. Picture: John Devlin

Griffiths charged with hate song

Celtic ace Leigh Griffiths was charged on Friday over claims he sang a hate song to rival Rudi Skacel. A report has been sent to the procurator fiscal by Police Scotland.

The former Hibs star is reported to have joined in with fans chanting about former Hearts player Skacel in the Roseburn Bar in Edinburgh ahead of the local derby. (The Sun)

Kayal offloaded to Brighton

Celtic midfielder Beram Kayal has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Brighton for an undisclosed fee, it emerged on Friday night. The Israeli international is believed to have fallen foul of gaffer Ronny Deila.

Brighton boss Chris Hughton said: “We’re delighted to have agreed a deal for someone of Kayal’s stature. He is a good age and is a player who is dynamic.” (Daily Record)

FOLLOW US

Twitter | Facebook | Google+

-----------------------------------------

Subscribe to our DAILY NEWSLETTER (requires registration)

-----------------------------------------

SCOTSMAN TABLET AND MOBILE APPS

iPhone | iPad | Android | Kindle

Fletcher in talks with Hoops

Manchester United midfielder will decide his future at the Premiership team neat week with a possible move to Celtic on the cards. West Ham, West Brom and Valencia have all put offers on the table.

Former United vice-captain Fletcher, 30, has been reportedly been told that Peter Lawwell would sanction a move to Parkhead if the player was interested in sigining to Celtic. (Daily Record)

McDowall: “I’ll be relieved when it all ends”

Caretaker manager Kenny McDowall has admitted his dream job at Ibrox has taken its toll. Having fulfilled a lifelong dream of taking charge of Rangers, McDowall quit as manager earlier this week citing personal reasons. He has offered to honour his 12-month contract before stepping aside.

He said: “This job will be enjoyable come May if we have achieved something. You tend to only enjoy it when you’ve had a bit of success.” (Daily Record)

Celtic firm favourites for semi-final, says Lennon

Former Hoops skipper Neil Lennon has said that Celtic are miles ahead of Rangers going into next weekend’s Old Firm League Cup semi-final.

Lennon went on to say that his former club were too strong for an Ibrox side in disarray. He said: “I haven’t a clue what’s going on behind the scenes at Rangers and on the field it hasn’t been great this season either.”

He added. “They need someone in to galvanise the club. It would mean so much to so many people if they win it but at the moment, Celtic would be streets ahead.” (The Sun)

IN OTHER NEWS

• Martin Canning was always first choice to succeed Alex Neil for the Hamilton hotseat, Accies vice-chairman Ronnie Macdonald has revealed. (Scottish Daily Express)

• Gary Harkins has denied rumours of being at centre of a half-time dressing room bust up with keeper Arvid Schenk and manager Paul Hartley during the derby against Dundee United. He said: “The rumours about what went on at half-time involving myself are a load of rubbish.” (Scottish Daily Express)

• Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has admitted his players forced him to change his ‘football philosophy’. Wenger was largely applauded for masterminding Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Manchester City last weekend. He has now revealed dressing room pressures were key to the disciplined display. (Daily Mirror)

Rumour Mill: Griffiths | Kayal | Fletcher | McDowall