Celtic striker Chris Sutton looks set to face a charge of 'bringing the game into disrepute' following his accusations against Dunfermline yesterday. The former Chelsea and Blackburn forward accused the Pars of 'lying down' to Rangers as the Ibrox side clinched the Bank of Scotland Premier League title with a 6-1 win at Ibrox.
The Scottish FA have reacted quickly to his comments and this morning, a spokesman said: "It has been referred to the General Purposes Committee on a potential charge of bringing the game into disrepute. I don't have a date when that will come to a head, but it will be looked at some time during the close season."
Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston has also hinted that his club could bring possible legal action against Sutton, however a decision on that will not be made until the Pars man returns to the club on Friday. Yorkston and manager Jimmy Calderwood are on a break with the squad in Magalluf this week and will only reflect on Sutton's views on their return to Fife at the end of the week.
Yorkston told The Press Association: "I think it is just sour grapes on his part. You would be better asking him what was on his mind (when he said that). Let's all calm down for a day or two and see what happens. We will be back in the country on Friday, we will look at the tapes then and we will know better then. The squad are away in Magalluf at the moment and we don't want to be distracted by his (Sutton's) comments. We will look at it when we get back."
A bitterly disappointed Sutton rounded on Dunfermline after Celtic had won 4-0 at Kilmarnock but still relinquished their crown. He said: "I think everybody could have virtually predicted the result at Ibrox before kick-off. Well, many people did. It is disappointing from the players who have put the effort in. We knew they'd lie down and they have done."
When asked if he thought the Pars had not been professional, Sutton said: "You would have to ask their manager and players."
Meanwhile, former Celtic midfielder Paul McStay believes Sutton will be regretting his post-match outburst. McStay said: "Maybe he has said something that he might regret now. I don't think it's right to say that about fellow professionals but it was in the heat of the moment after the match. It shouldn't overshadow what happened yesterday."
Filed by Shane Murray
