Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers to sit out one game but can return for Rangers derby after ban

Following a 2-0 loss to Hearts on the road earlier this month, the Celtic manager bemoaned “incompetence” and

“really poor officiating”.

Following Thursday’s hearing, Celtic declared, “We will accept the panel’s decision” and decided not to file an appeal

against the suspension.

The club continued, “We are obviously disappointed with the outcome.”

“The manager showed up for the hearing today, and he gave a forceful and comprehensive defence.

“Like many other clubs, we will continue to press for the highest standards in relation to the VAR process in Scottish

football.”

In his Tynecastle BBC interview, Aaron Rodgers twice specifically named video assistant referee John Beaton,

claiming that the match was “refereed outside the pitch” due to VAR interventions.

During the Scottish Premiership encounter, Tomoki Iwata gave up a penalty and Yang Hyun-jun’s yellow card was

elevated to a red one due to VAR reviews.

Later, Celtic’s appeal against Yang’s dismissal as a winger was denied.

Due to the decision about Rodgers’ remarks, the Northern Irishman will not be permitted to take the dugout on

Sunday’s trip to Livingston. However, he will be permitted to return when the reigning Scottish champions go to

Ibrox for their city derby against Rangers on April 7.

In addition to being absent from the dugout against the Premiership’s bottom team, Rodgers will only be permitted

entry into the dressing room fifteen minutes after full time and not an hour before kickoff or at halftime.

The additional one-match penalty will only be applied if he continues to make remarks criticising the performance of

match officials during games in violation of Scottish FA regulations.