Peter Lawwell has opted out of criticising the SFA over their botched attempt to suspend Albian Ajeti for two matches.
Despite clear evidence of contact between the striker and Kilmarnock goalkeeper Colin Doyle the SFA announced last week that Ajeti was being offered a two match suspension for simulation.
Celtic appealed against the decision, the hearing was put back from Monday to Tuesday which impacted on preparations for tonight’s match against St Mirren with the appeal coming up with a verdict of Not Proven. That verdict is unique to Scottish Law where it is much criticised.
Ajeti has had his reputation damaged with no basis for the claim while Neil Lennon’s preparations for an important fixture have been compromised over whether or not the striker would be available.
News of the verdict emerged at around 5pm last night from a variety of sources but there was no comment from Celtic despite previously issuing a statement such as over John Beaton’s refereeing performance in a derby match at Ibrox.
Rather than get a reaction direct from the club on their website or through their Social Media platforms Celtic arranged to contact daily newspapers for Neil Lennon to share his thoughts on the verdict and the process involved.
A statement from Celtic condemning the process would have been welcomed by supporters alongside a call to abolish the Not Proven option. Either Ajeti is innocent or guilty, yesterday’s news from the SFA suggests neither.