Refs are out to get Celtic, claims keeper Boruc

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Speaking for the first time about the yellow card he incurred for waving to Hibs fans in what referee Iain Brines deemed an inflammatory fashion, the Polish international echoed the views of manager Gordon Strachan.

The Celtic boss alleged last weekend that the club are victims of persecution from the nation's referees and called for a clarification of the rules concerning celebrations.

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In response, Brines spoke out on the SFA website to defend the booking, insisting that Boruc's actions were provocative.

The Parkhead side are privately simmering that Rangers striker Daniel Cousin escaped a caution after leaving the field of play to celebrate with supporters in the recent defeat of Gretna.

Footage is also circulating on the You Tube website of an alleged gesture towards Parkhead supporters by Hibs full-back Thierry Gathuessi last Saturday, prompting some supporters to query their treatment at the hands of the authorities.

Believing both he and Celtic have become a target for officials following a series of headline-making flashpoints, 27-year-old Boruc insists Scottish football is loaded against the SPL champions.

He said: "It's quite weird - you are not allowed to do anything in this country just now. If the referee thinks he was correct, then that's good. But if people cannot celebrate after games, then you have to think that Celtic have their own rules. It's just weird.

"The manager thinks there is special treatment of Celtic - and I think so, too. It seems you cannot do anything without the permission of referees. That's difficult for us, because it means you cannot celebrate properly. But I have had great support from the fans. Even after Barcelona, they were unbelievable."

Boruc shouldered the blame for the loss of Barca's early goal in the Nou Camp on Tuesday, a Xavi Hernandez strike which confirmed the inevitability of Celtic's exit from the last 16 of the Champions League.

But the club are already making plans for another crack at Europe's biggest competition with Strachan at the tiller.

The Parkhead boss will celebrate three years at the helm in June and there are always rumours about the shelf-life of an Old Firm manager.

But Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell maintains Strachan, who is on a 12-month rolling contract, remains passionate and enthusiastic about trying to take the club forward.

"Gordon is as hungry as ever," said Lawwell. "He has connected with the club and understands what Celtic means to so many people. He knows the expectations and ambitions of the club and the supporters. He is happy to take that on.

"There's always a year left on Gordon's deal and the SPL title race won't get in the way of our plans. Gordon is good at looking ahead and we're doing that in tandem with him to create options in the transfer market. It is too early to say how many top players we would bring in. We have our plans and we know where Gordon wants to improve. We try to be ahead of the game."