Thomas Rogne, Celtic's Norwegian defender, will be fined for breaking the club's code of conduct by discussing club matters while on international duty.
Manager Neil Lennon said he believed the centre-back's explanation that his criticism of a new contract offer was reported inaccurately by the media in his home country. But Rogne will be fined for breaching the club's policy that players should not discuss Celtic matters while away with their national teams.
Rogne was asked about a contract offer made to him by Celtic and reportedly said: "I have played when I have been healthy and feel I should be paid like other players in that category, but the deal has been much worse. The salary must reflect my value."
Lennon spoke with Rogne about the issue and yesterday revealed that the 22–year-old will be fined. "There is a club policy. He is aware of that and, for me, the matter is closed. I have shown him the quotes and he says he never said those things. Now, I believe Thomas, he is an honest lad, but there will still be some form of monetary sanction."
Talks are ongoing with Rogne, Gary Hooper, Charlie Mulgrew and Victor Wanyama about improved contracts after Celtic qualified for the Champions League group stage. That campaign begins on Wednesday when Benfica come to Glasgow. Today Celtic play St Johnstone in Perth, despite the home club being badly affected by a virus. Scott Brown, the Celtic captain, will play in his first domestic match of the season and Miku and Lassad Nouioui are also in the squad. Efe Ambrose still awaits a work permit, which Celtic hope to secure at the start of next week.
Georgios Samaras should return from an elbow injury sustained playing for Greece in time to play in the second group game away to Spartak Moscow on October 2. Adam Matthews will miss today's game because of a toe problem but should be fine for Benfica.
The news for the Portuguese side ahead of the game is less favourable, however, with captain Luisao only likely to be eligible to play if the club appeals a two-month suspension served by the Portuguese association .
Luisao, 31, was suspended for aggressive behaviour and knocking referee Christian Fischer to the ground when Benfica played Fortuna Dusseldorf in a pre-season friendly. Because of that incident, Fischer ended the match before half-time.
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