Celtic release statement with SFA set to ban Ryan Christie

Celtic star, Ryan Christie, is facing a two-game ban after being charged with one of the weirdest offences you’ll ever hear of by the Scottish Football Association.

Ryan Christie’s luck seems to be going from bad to worse. Firstly, he was ineffective in Celtic’s derby loss against the Rangers at Parkhead. Then, he had to be rushed to the hospital after the game in order to undergo emergency surgery. And now, it is being reported that the playmaker is set to be banned for two games because of grabbing Alfredo Morelos’ genitals! Yes, you read that right.

The incident occurs when the Colombian nutmegs Christie and his hand accidentally hits Morelos’ groin region. Anyone who has watched the video will agree that there does not appear to be any malicious intent on Christie’s part and it looks like one of those situations when you are trying to pull back a player after he has gone past you in a dangerous area. The hand barely strikes Morelos, who makes most of the contact as expected.

But as reported by the Mirror, the SFA see Christie’s actions as dangerous and he has been charged under Disciplinary Rule 200. The hearing is on 6th January and if found guilty, Christie will miss Celtic’s next two games against Patrick Thistle and Kilmarnock, respectively.

Celtic have decided to stand beside their player and released this statement regarding the situation:

"“We are absolutely astonished at this decision. Clearly we will defend Ryan vigorously.”"

Christie though has undergone groin surgery himself following the Rangers game and it is still not clear when he is expected to return to action. Thus, the ban could have no effect on his comeback if he is out for any considerably amount of time due to the injury sustained last Sunday.

The Scot has been very influential this season though and is the club’s highest scorer with 18 goals. Thus, the fans will be hoping that he is back in the line-up as soon as possible.