Celtic striker Albian Ajeti has been banned for two games after being adjudged to have dived to win a penalty in the 4-0 win over Kilmarnock on Tuesday night.
Referee Kevin Clancy gave the spot-kick but a three-man panel, consisting of former referees, decided that the forward went down in the box after simulating contact with goalkeeper Colin Doyle.
Supporters on Twitter are angry at the decision, with one person even sharing slowed-down footage of the incident to show Ajeti was innocent:
No question its a penalty! pic.twitter.com/GfU0KDJHsL
— COYBIG (@C_O_Y_B_I_G) February 4, 2021
2 match ban ?? comical
— Patrick Lowe (@Plowecfc7) February 4, 2021
Simply an attempt to balance the books on ‘retrospective action’
— Derek (@Derekc1985) February 4, 2021
Could have snapped his ankle. Especially on that unforgiving surface. So, keeper was lucky to escape a red.
— Jinky T (@JinkyThreepwood) February 4, 2021
And his ankle is rolling because of hand on ankle We cant surely accept this ffs
— BobCrilly (@BobCrilly2) February 4, 2021
VaR would have given it as there was contact… FACT
— David ? (@David13800425) February 4, 2021
Hoops boss Neil Lennon has vowed to fight the charge, and an appeal will be heard before tomorrow’s game against Motherwell.
It will be a shame if Ajeti is not involved after returning to the starting lineup with a goal and assist in the convincing victory over Killie at Rugby Park. The 23-year-old started his Celtic career well after arriving from West Ham in the summer, scoring five goals in his first six league games. However, Tuesday’s goal was his first since September.