CELTIC star Ryan Christie is set to face an SFA ban after being cited for grabbing Rangers star Alfredo Morelos’ testicles.
The Hoops star was pictured getting a handful of the Colombian’s nether regions in Steven Gerrard’s side’s 2-1 win.
Ryan Christie appears to grab Alfredo Morelos’ balls
Ryan Christie gets hold of Alredo Morelos in Sunday’s derby clash
Ryan Christie faces a two-gae ban for this grab on Alfredo Morelos
Christie had already been booked previously by referee Kevin Clancy but no further punishment was given for this foul.
The 24-year-old has been cited by the SFA this afternoon for the incident during the Old Firm clash with the Gers.
If found guilty, the Scotland international will miss a Scottish Cup tie away to Partick Thistle and an away trip to Rugby Park to play Kilmarnock with the Premiership returns after the winter break.
The Celts playmaker has been charged under the Disciplinary Rule 200 where a challenge or tackle that ‘endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality’.
The SFA has fast tracked the notice of complaint from the derby match and the case while be heard in the new year on Monday, January 6.
The charge comes after it emerged that Christie required urgent groin surgery after Sunday’s defeat to Rangers, according to reports.
The Hoops ace, 24, was eventually replaced by Leigh Griffiths after being involved in an earlier tussle with Morelos.
He was then rushed to hospital for an operation on his groin.
Alfredo Morelos also gets a handful of Ryan ChristieCredit: PA:Press Association
Ryan Christie faces a ban and a lay-off after groin surgeryCredit: PA:Press Association
Post-match examinations on Christie reportedly showed the need for immediate medical attention.
It came after he had reportedly been forced to try and play through the pain following his battle with the Rangers striker.
Celtic are not back in action until they face Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup on January 18, following a winter break training camp in Dubai.
Hearts veteran Steven MacLean was hit with a two-match ban for violent conduct last campaign for grabbing Hoops outcast Eboue Kouassi in the nuts.
Alfredo Morelos stars in charity match in Colombia after Celtic derby win
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
