Celtic’s Ryan Christie Banned After Being Found Guilty Of Grabbing Alfredo Morelos By The Testicles

Celtic and Scotland star Ryan Christie has been given a two-match ban after being found guilty of grabbing Alfredo Morelos by the testicles.

Christie was involved in an altercation with Morelos during the second half of the Old Firm derby defeat to Rangers on December 29.

The 24-year-old only conceded a free-kick during the game but a complaint lodged by SFA compliance officer Clare Whyte post-match has seen Christie receive a ban.

Celtic had vowed to 'vigorously defend' Christie, but their pleas were dismissed by the SFA and the midfielder will now miss the games against Partick Thistle and Kilmarnock.

After the ban was dished out, Celtic released a statement - stating they were 'astonished' by the SFA charge when it was announced on December 31 and they will take their concerns to the governing body.

A club statement read: 'Celtic Football Club and Ryan Christie are extremely disappointed at the outcome of the hearing today.

'Given the recent treatment of Celtic players and the lack of sanctions being imposed on those responsible, the fact that a sanction has been imposed on Ryan for the incident in question demonstrates a worrying lack of consistency in the Scottish FA fast track process.

'Naturally, we will be contacting the Scottish FA regarding our concerns. Scottish football deserves a disciplinary process which is fair, consistent and fit for purpose.'

The incident was one of a number of controversial moments during the encounter, which saw Morelos allegedly racially abused by Celtic fans.