Today’s SFA verdict has left the Celtic fans feeling vindicated after Albian Ajeti was found “not proven” of simulation against Kilmarnock.
The Swiss striker had been cited by the SFA for his winning of a penalty in last week’s 4-0 win at Kilmarnock. Ajeti was clipped by Killie goalkeeper Colin Doyle. Even though there was minimal contact, there was contact, meaning a simulation charge was never going to stand up.
And today, the judicial panel have deemed that simulation cannot be proven. Therefore, Ajeti will be free to face St Mirren in Paisley tomorrow night.
This is a clear boost for the Swiss front-man. Not only will he be free to play tomorrow, he’ll also be available to feature against St Johnstone on Sunday. Both of these fixtures he would’ve missed had the SFA found him guilty.
But this was a charge that was bemusing everyone after it had been announced. Neil Lennon vociferously hit out at the prospect of Ajeti being found guilty [Daily Record].
SFA come to correct decision; Celtic have a right to feel satisfied
It just didn’t make any sense whatsoever. It was clear to everyone who watched it that Doyle had gotten a hold of Ajeti’s ankle. Was it enough for him to go down? I don’t think so, but simulation is when there’s no contact. We see strikers do it all the time. “Anticipating contact” is how it’s referred to by many.
However, of course because it’s a Celtic striker it’ll be made out to be a conspiracy by certain supporters of another Glasgow club.
All that’s happened today is that the right decision has come to pass. And it makes a nice change from the SFA’s earlier verdict regarding Motherwell striker Devante Cole. He was let off for a nasty kick out at Ismaila Soro during Saturday’s 2-1 win.
So if any club has a reason to be angry with today’s decisions, it remains Celtic. Thankfully, common sense has prevailed and Ajeti can continue to stake his claim for a regular spot in his starting XI.
And here, we take a look at some of the fan reaction to the verdict:
https://twitter.com/LBrad88/status/1359198886422806534
https://twitter.com/natashameikle/status/1359196916316311552
https://twitter.com/dreilly89/status/1359194927184420865
https://twitter.com/M8J7H/status/1359193903673585664
In other news, there was one subject that seemed to annoy Neil Lennon this afternoon.
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