Stokes escapes ban

Hibernian striker Anthony Stokes has escaped a ban despite being found guilty of a Scottish Football Association charge over his challenge on Celtic midfielder Landry N'Guemo. Stokes has effectively been handed a yellow card for the late tackle during Hibernian's 3-2 Clydesdale Bank Premier League defeat at Parkhead on April 17. The challenge was missed by referee Stephen Finnie but sparked an angry reaction from some of N'Guemo's team-mates. The incident was referred to the SFA's disciplinary committee by their TV review panel and Stokes was charged with "misconduct of a significantly serious nature". But the 21-year-old argued his case in person at a Hampden hearing on Tuesday and saw the offence reduced to "unsporting behaviour of a reckless and dangerous nature". The Republic of Ireland striker had three points added to his disciplinary record to take his tally to 12, thus avoiding a suspension for the start of next season.

Source: PA