CELTIC will "robustly" defend Tom Boyd over the former club captain's controversial comments about ref John Beaton from Saturday's Betfred Cup tie with Dunfermline.

Boyd accused Beaton of "bottling" a penalty decision at Parkhead before claiming he shouldn't be in charge of the game if he didn't know the rules.

And now BBC Scotland are reporting the Hoops ambassador has come under scrutiny and will be the subject of a probe by compliance officer Clare Whyte.

Celtic, however, insisted they would stand by the 53-year-old club ambassador.

A statement said: "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."

Commentating for CelticTV, the club ambassador criticised Beaton for not awarding the hosts a penalty; television replays showed that the ball had hit a Dunfermline player’s hand.


Boyd said: “I’m mystified… I’m not mystified. John Beaton as though it was a pre-meditated decision not to give that penalty because it was so late in the game, I’m not sure.”

Boyd added: “He’ll probably be welcomed down his pub tonight again.”
This was in reference to a online rumour that Beaton was seen in a “Rangers bar” hours after he refereed an Old Firm game.

More follows.