Lennon escapes SFA punishment

The Scottish Football Association have confirmed that they will not take action against Neil Lennon for gesturing at Aberdeen fans.

The Celtic midfielder was hauled into the room of the referee, Hugh Dallas, after his side's Tennent's Scottish Cup quarter-final win at Pittodrie on Monday night after the police claimed he had incited the crowd with his celebrations.

The SFA's head of discipline and referees department, Drew Herbertson, had yet to receive the official's report yesterday, but said the matter was now closed.

"There has been no update regarding Neil Lennon," Herbertson said. "You can take it as read that we will not be developing it. The referee's report has not yet been received, but we have spoken to the referee and are satisfied with what has happened. That is the end of the matter."

The Celtic manager, Martin O'Neill, has confirmed that he will discipline his striker John Hartson after his dismissal in the win at Aberdeen. The Welsh international kicked out at the Dons defender Jamie McAllister in the closing stages of Monday night's game.

O'Neill was incensed by the incident and Hartson could now lose his place in the first team as the competition for places increases at Parkhead.

O'Neill said: "I have had a look at the video of the Aberdeen game, and I have to say that there is no doubt that the referee was right to show John Hartson the red card.

"Now, in addition to whatever punishment the authorities deem necessary, John will be subject to internal discipline here. We will never tolerate such behaviour at this club, and there was absolutely no need for it.

"He has apologised, but what he has to realise is that he will now miss two important matches and, as a result, the team might well suffer."