Celtic keeper fined for fan gesture

(GETTY IMAGES)

Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc today escaped with a £500 fine and a severe reprimand over gestures he made to Rangers fans during the last Old Firm derby.

Almost two months after the incident on 31 August, Boruc had his case for improper conduct heard by a Scottish Football Association disciplinary committee today.

He was found guilty, fined, severely censured and warned about his future conduct. He has seven working days to appeal the decision.

At the same disciplinary meeting today, Hibernian boss Mixu Paatelainen lost his appeal against the four-match touchline ban imposed following his sending off in the August 26 Co-operative Insurance Cup defeat to Morton.

The length of the punishment was the result of the dismissal being Paatelainen's second of the campaign.

He served a two-match ban after being sent to the stands during pre-season.

His latest suspension will take effect seven days from today and will therefore begin with the Clydesdale Bank Premier League trip to Hibernian on 1 November.

Boruc and Paatelainen's hearings were held over from 16 September.

The former was charged after an SFA review panel examined photographs appearing to show the Poland international gesturing towards Rangers supporters.

The 28-year-old has found himself in hot water in the past for his antics during derby matches.

Paatelainen, meanwhile, was dismissed for his reaction to Morton's two extra-time goals which knocked his side out of the League Cup.

The Finn had insisted all he did was throw a towel to the ground.

Boruc's case was held over from September 16 in order to allow him to prepare for the following night's Champions League opener against Aalborg.

Paatelainen's case was postponed because referee Iain Brines and fourth official George Salmond, who officiated against Morton, were unable to attend the meeting.