Celtic are "extremely disappointed" over Ryan Christie's three-match ban after he was found guilty of grabbing Alfredo Morelos by the genitals.

The Scotland player, 24, was charged with violent conduct following Celtic's 2-1 loss to Rangers on 29 December.

A hearing on Monday upheld a two-game ban, with a further one added due to a previous red against Livingston.

The Scottish Premiership leaders said the sanction "demonstrates a worrying lack of consistency".

Midfielder Christie will miss the Scottish Cup tie with Partick Thistle and league games against Kilmarnock and Ross County later this month.

However, he was a doubt for those fixtures after
undergoing groin surgery due to an injury sustained in the final Old Firm match of 2019.

Christie had been booked by referee Kevin Clancy earlier in the match but escaped punishment over the incident with striker Morelos.

This time last year, Celtic claimed Christie was the victim of a similar offence - at the hands of Morelos - in Rangers' 1-0 Old Firm win last Christmas, but the Colombian did not face any sanction.

And Celtic said in a statement: "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.

logon599:
This is serious and funny at the same time. Reminds me of Suarez's bite incidents.
I just hope the memes they make from this one are not vulgar.

Though this doesn't look intentional cos from the photos the guy looks like he had his eyes on the ball - pun totally not intended

DonFreshmoney:


My guy just wanted to feel the size of the Anaconda. He was like I heard that black/brown men have big ubunja.. come let me feel it.

But to be honest, was the touch intentional? Person no fit mistakenly touch another person again. Football is a contact sport, and that's contact..

Useless ban

mozona:
i suspect that the rangers guy is sleeping with wife or girlfriend

cRobo:
These are characteristics of a gay

livebyday:


His eyes on the ball

I see what you did there

9jaRealist:
.
I think dude misunderstood the coach's instruction to go for every ball...
>

Benwallt:
A case of if I missed the ball I can't miss ur balls. He was tackling another ball entirely.

Jestin:
Is he a crusher? Maybe he wants to crush his balls

donbachi:
If u can't get the ball...get the ball.

donbachi:
If u can't get the ball...get the ball.

DonFreshmoney:


My guy just wanted to feel the size of the Anaconda. He was like I heard that black/brown men have big ubunja.. come let me feel it.

logon599:
This is serious and funny at the same time.

Though this doesn't look intentional cos from the photos the guy looks like he had his eyes on the ball - pun totally not intended