Celtic striker Ajeti avoids ridiculous punishment for “simulation”

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Sense prevailed today, as Celtic striker Albian Ajeti avoided a ban [Glasgow Live].

The Celtic striker was cited for “simulation” by the SFA following the Bhoys’ win over Kilmarnock. This, despite three referees agreeing on a penalty and replays showing clear evidence.

Using Celtic TV’s “Unique Angle”, you can see the contact between goalkeeper Colin Doyle’s hand and the Swiss striker. Oddly, despite nobody in Kilmarnock colours protesting, and the fact a penalty was given, the SFA decided to call the club in.

While nobody wants to see diving in the game, nobody wants players to be unjustly punished for it, either. While multiple-game suspensions are a useful deterrent, it’s odd that such a punishment is given for a bookable offence. Surely, if a referee sees an incident of diving, it’s just as serious as if it were spotted by the SFA.

The inconsistency is baffling. And it’s forced Celtic to prepare for two possible outcomes in a short amount of time before a match.

Ajeti was excellent against Kilmarnock, but had a much quieter game as the Bhoys bested Motherwell on Saturday afternoon. The ex-Basel striker managed 3 shots, but couldn’t follow up on his impressive return to a starting role.

Celtic striker Ajeti could continue against St Mirren tomorrow

Neil Lennon will be considering his striking options ahead of tomorrow’s meeting with St Mirren.

Odsonne Edouard is building consistent form, with 5 goals in his last 4 games. Lennon prefers two up front, but Leigh Griffiths is seemingly out of favour. The manager might’ve been preparing to reintroduce Griffiths to the starting line-up in case of an Ajeti absence; Griff and Ajeti are very different types of player.

Patryk Klimala has been somewhat forgotten, while Owen Moffat would be an interesting option. The Academy graduate has impressed for the Development sides, and recently signed a new contract with the club.

Lennon’s chopping and changing means that we’re genuinely unsure as to how he’s going to approach the St Mirren match. Celtic striker Ajeti may feature as part of a high-energy, pressing side, similar to the performance against Motherwell at the weekend.

MEANWHILE: The Celtic board have escaped unscathed when they should have taken action.