Red Card Grope – Why Groin Infringements are red not yellow card offences

PERVY Hearts striker Steven’Groper’MacLean is set for a two match ban following his disgraceful manhandling of Eboue Kouassi private parts at Murrayfield on Sunday. The SFA Compliance Officer Clare Whyte failed to see the funny side of the Hearts strikers indecent assault on the Celtic player and has taken action, issuing a Fast Track Notice of Complaint.

And with ‘Nasty’ Steven Naismith out for up to 2 months with a knee injury Craig Levein is going to be very short of strikers for Saturday’s trip to the East End of Glasgow to play the Champions.

The disgraceful Groper MacLean will however be free to appear against Hibs tomorrow evening at Tynecastle as Hearts have until Thursday to either accept the two match ban or challenge the Notice of Complaint and attend a hearing.

The Celtic Star understands that the SFA issued specific guidelines to clubs over the summer concerning manhandling of the groin area and were advised that this would be regarded as a red rather than a yellow card offence, as the pundit Michael Stewart was arguing earlier today on social media.

Hearts are almost certain to accept the ban as their Rangers supporting veteran striker was caught red handed by the BT Sport cameras. In any other walk of life he would be facing a Police investigation but as it stands he has let down his manager badly for the games against Celtic and then high flying Kilmarnock – who could be top of the league by the weekend if results go their way.

Referee Willie Collum missed the incident but did speak to both The Groper and his victim, issuing them with a telling off.

Earlier today Levein revealed that he has had words with MacLean about the incident.

“We’ve had a chat,” he said. “I think he knows he can’t do that.”

A little later in the day Brendan Rodgers also commented on the incident.

“I haven’t seen that since Vinnie Jones on Paul Gascoigne. It was a stupid thing to do.”

Also on The Celtic Star today…

Hampden Tickets – History repeating itself as Sheep’s Eyes bigger than their Bellies…See HERE.

‘Absolutely brilliant! The hard work has paid off for Ryan Christie,’ Tierney…See HERE.

Celtic supporter James McLean and the Poppy Fascists…See HERE.

Naismith needs operation and is out for up to 8 weeks, Levein confirms…See HERE.

‘I’m fully fit, I just had cramps in the calf,’ Ajer eyes Dens Park role…See HERE.

“Ibrox might have set the tone,” Boxer Bain enjoys another Knock-Out Sunday…See HERE.

Despite Porto’s £15million bid Ntcham is ‘happy to be at Celtic’…See HERE.

Jim Craig – Brian O’Neill stuns Ibrox with a late Celtic winner…See HERE.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

1 Comment

  1. Sexual Assault Carries a prison sentance if the evidence is conclusive……t.v pictures show this………………………..if this was a man that did this to a woman he would be jailed….HH