Celtic fine Braafheid after Cup walk-out

Celtic defender Edson Braafheid has been fined after storming out of Hampden Park before his side’s shock Scottish Cup semi-final defeat against Ross County.

Braafheid, on-loan from Bayern Munich, left the stadium as soon as he discovered he would not be in the squad for Saturday’s 2-0 loss to the First Division minnows.

Hoops caretaker boss Neil Lennon insisted that his behaviour was deserving of a fine, but he said the matter was now closed.

The 27-year-old Holland international will still be in contention to play in Tuesday’s game against Motherwell.

“He came to see me after the squad was announced and I explained my reasons why the team was picked and the substitutes,” Lennon said on Monday.

“I explained to him that I could only pick four outfield players, plus a goalkeeper, plus two under-21s.

“I was pleased he came to see me because it shows that he cares and he’s disappointed. But what I can’t have is him leaving before the game.

“There’s a code of conduct and a code of discipline and it goes away from the team spirit that we are trying to create.

“I spoke to him about it at length; he’s bitterly disappointed with his behaviour.

“He’s been fined, it’s dealt with internally and it’s closed. And he is in contention.”