Strachan set for 10-game ban after Pittodrie row

Strachan was sent to the stand by referee Charlie Richmond as tempers raged when substitute Kenny Miller put the SPL champions into a late lead.

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Red mist: Strachan was left fuming on the touchline

Celtic coach Tommy Burns and Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood both exonerated Strachan of blame over the flashpoint — with Burns pointing the finger at a Dons official.

Yet, Strachan now faces an extended ban after being sent from the technical area for the third time since the beginning of last season.

The title-winning manager's appeal against a four-match suspension for last season's row with Stuart Dougal will be heard at Hampden on Wednesday.

Should he lose the appeal, he will be forced to watch the club's next four domestic matches from the stand — starting with Saturday's visit of Hearts to Parkhead.

Should he also be found guilty over yesterday's clash, SFA guidelines dictate his new punishment would be a further six-match ban.

Burns, who yesterday conducted the post-match media duties, feels natural justice will see Strachan cleared of all charges.

'A wee fellow came down with a steward's badge on,' said Burns of the ugly scenes which overshadowed a valuable 3-1 victory for Celtic yesterday.

'I thought their job description was to look at the crowd and make sure everything was OK, not come running down. It just defies belief.

'The steward was looking to bring a policeman in and accuse Garry Pendrey of sticking two fingers up provocatively. Gordon knew this was not the case and that it was a downright lie.

'Unfortunately, this is the world we live in, where people think they can turn up and scream the most horrible abuse at people only a few yards away.

'We are not talking about neds. We are talking about middleaged men screaming the most horrible personal abuse in front of women and children.

'When people give them a wink or a wave back, they want to report it to the police. Shame on them for crying boo-hoo and wanting people sent to the jail.'

One-time Pittodrie hero Strachan waded into the row after Dons fans reacted when Celtic No2 Pendrey appeared to raise his fingers to highlight the 2-1 scoreline after Miller struck his first goal. Fourth official John Underhill drew Richmond's attention to the row, with Calderwood an eye-witness as the afternoon turned sour.

'Gordon was angry with a steward or a supporter — but I think he has found him now,' said Calderwood.

'We have all been there and I can understand it because I've done it myself. It's upsetting for him and he was telling me about it in his own way as he walked off.'

The SFA disciplinary rules say each report of 'misconduct' carries a higher penalty than the previous one, with Strachan already having served a twomatch ban last season and now facing two further hearings.

If Strachan's appeal is upheld in midweek, this latest alleged misdemeanour would carry only a four-game ban.

'You only need to see him in training every day to know he will score goals. He maybe had a hard time last season, but he's brilliant just now.

'I am sure he will be fit and fine for the Scotland game on Wednesday night. And it's great for Celtic to have so many striking options at the moment.'

Burns echoed the comments of midfielder Brown, with matchwinner Miller only having been introduced for the last 12 minutes at Pittodrie.

'Kenny looks a different player in the box to the one we saw last year, when he had a difficult time at the club,' said the first-team coach.

'All the players were wonderful because they had been very tired after the game in midweek. To come back the way they did was fantastic and speaks volumes for the character of the players.'

On the victory, Brown added: 'I think it is a coincidence that we have come from behind to win in successive league games, but what I will say is we're a fit team who won't give up until the final whistle.'