Lennon handed six-match ban

Celtic boss Neil Lennon has been given a six-match touchline ban by the Scottish Football Association for misconduct.

Lennon was sent to the stands by referee Craig Thomson during his side’s 2-0 loss to Hearts at Tynecastle in November for an altercation with fourth official Steven McLean when Celtic were denied a penalty.

Lennon was originally handed a two-match suspension for the incident and his decision to appeal has back-fired after the SFA opted to treble the ban to six matches, although the club has indicated they will appeal against the latest ban.

“Following a meeting of the Scottish FA’s Disciplinary Committee at Hampden Park today, the Celtic manager, Neil Lennon, was found guilty of excessive misconduct,” an SFA statement read.

“Mr Lennon will serve his automatic two-match ban for being dismissed during the Clydesdale Bank Premier League match against Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle on November 10, 2010, plus an additional four matches for excessive misconduct.”

“The sanctions are effective from Tuesday, January 18, and Mr Lennon has seven days to appeal the decision.”

The January 18 start date means Lennon will be in charge for Wednesday’s game at Hamilton and Saturday’s visit to Hibernian.

The first game Lennon will miss will be the league visit by Aberdeen on January 22, and he will also miss the Scottish Cup fifth-round meeting with Rangers at Ibrox.

His first game back in the dugout will be the league meeting with Rangers at Ibrox on February 20.