A war of words between Celtic and the Scottish Football Association has erupted as the row over Neil Lennon's six-match touchline ban continues.
The Hoops responded furiously to the punishment handed down to their manager by the SFA's disciplinary committee on Tuesday, when he lost his appeal against an automatic two-match ban for being sent to the stand in a game against Hearts on November 10.
Celtic immediately declared their intention to appeal the latest sanctions, which they described as excessive, while claiming the governing body's processes and structures needed to be updated. That statement prompted SFA president George Peat to hit out at the Glasgow giants, branding Celtic's complaints as "tiresome".
His comments then led to Celtic retaliating with a second statement on their official club website on Wednesday night, reading: "In response to an SFA statement we find it slightly curious that once again SFA President, George Peat, has seen fit to involve himself by attacking Celtic in this way.
"Particularly when there is an ongoing appeal against yesterday's (Wednesday) judgement to impose a six-match ban on Neil Lennon."
Celtic and the SFA have endured an uneasy relationship in recent times.
Peat said: "Celtic's policy of airing their grievances in public is becoming tiresome.
"It is ironic that they have chosen to criticise the Scottish FA's processes and structures yet again on the eve of our two-day seminar which will culminate in a new strategy, incorporating streamlined structures and more efficient procedures.
"The Scottish FA is acutely aware of the need to modernise. That was why we commissioned the Henry McLeish Review, which we are committed to implementing. It was only a matter of weeks ago that the Celtic chief executive welcomed the Scottish FA's recognition of the need for modernisation.
"It is also ironic, given the constant demands for transparency and accountability, that the statement issued by Celtic [on Tuesday night] was not attributed to anyone. Perhaps Celtic should devote more time to their own responsibilities and discipline than questioning others."
Source: PA
