Celtic could face a fine of up to £100,000 if Tom Boyd is dragged over the coals for his explosive comments criticising referee John Beaton.

Hoops ambassador and former club captain Boyd accused Beaton of "bottling" a penalty decision during Celtic's Betfred Cup clash with Dunfermline at Parkhead last weekend.

Ex-defender Boyd slaughtered the whistler in a furious rant where he claimed he shouldn't be in charge if he "doesn't know the rules" before adding: "I’m not mystified. John Beaton, it’s obviously a pre-meditated decision not to give that penalty because it was so late in the game."

Celtic hero Tom Boyd slaughters ref John Beaton for 'bottling' penalty decision in Dunfermline clash

But now it is understood Celts could face action if SFA compliance officer Clare Whyte deems Boyd to have broken any disciplinary rules.

Rule 38, 29.2, states: "A club or recognised football body which publishes, distributes, issues, sells or authorises a third party to publish, distribute, issue or sell a match programme or any other publication or audio/visual material of any description in any media now existing or hereinafter invented, including but not limited to the Internet, social networking or micro-blogging sites, shall ensure that any such publications or audio/visual material does not contain any criticism of any match official calculated to indicate bias or incompetence on the part of such match official or to impinge upon his character."

Given that Boyd's comments were broadcast during Celtic TV's commentary of the match-up, he could be found in breach of the rules.

And it is understood that Ladbrokes Premiership clubs face fines ranging from £1,000 to £100,000 if found guilty of the charge.

Tom Boyd's comments about ref John Beaton to be investigated by SFA compliance officer

We told how Celtic confirmed they would 'robustly' defend their ambassador over his comments.

The Scottish champions revealed their shock at the fact the SFA were considering taking action.

A club statement read: "We have had absolutely no contact from the SFA in relation to this matter and, given the context and circumstances in which the comments were made, would be astonished if the matter were to be progressed. 

"If it is, then we will respond robustly."