Hartson's lucky suspension

John Hartson is cleared to play for Celtic in next month's Old Firm game and the Scottish Cup semi-final – despite being sent off during Monday's impressive 2-0 victory for the Cup holders at Aberdeen.

Having put his side into an early lead, Hartson lashed out at the Dons defender Jamie McAllister with five minutes remaining and was shown the red card by referee Hugh Dallas.

Hartson will miss Saturday's Premier League meeting against Aberdeen at Parkhead. Then it emerged that he had gone through the points barrier that could have also seen him suspended for the visit to Rangers on 10 March or the Cup semi-final with Dundee United or Ayr on 23 March.

Hartson, though, is a lucky man as the Scottish Football Association revealed that his ban would start from 11 March – which would see him miss the SPL match with Dundee United. Drew Herbertson, the SFA head of discipline and referees department, said: "The sending off last night, which was a straight card, means it's either foul play or violent conduct.

"And the committing of either of these offences means a player sent off misses the next match irrespective of the competition. He will be suspended automatically for this weekend's SPL game.

"He also goes over the threshold of 16 points and will therefore pick up a one-match suspension from Monday 11 March, which will be served off in the SPL."

Hartson, however, is not likely to be so fortunate with his manger Martin O'Neill, who already has injury concerns over Henrik Larsson, Joos Valgaeren, Chris Sutton and Johan Mjallby. The Celtic manager said that if video evidence proves conclusive then he would fine the Welsh international striker.

O'Neill recently showed he will not tolerate bad behaviour and fined Bobo Baldé after the player was caught on camera hitting Hibs' Paul Fenwick.

Another Celtic player in trouble was Neil Lennon, who was ordered to Dallas's room after the game. The midfielder was accused by the police of inciting the crowd with his celebrations as he left the pitch and he could face action from the SFA after it has looked at Dallas's report.

Herbertson said: "It's just a matter of awaiting receipt of the referee's report to see what is provided within that.

"From my knowledge of what has been reported the police apparently visited the referee and passed some information on to him so we'll just wait and see what comes in."

Celtic's youth development officer Tommy Burns has rejected the opportunity to return to Kilmarnock as manager to replace Bobby Williamson, who left to join Hibernian.