Guilty Strachan wins leniency but may face further sanctions

Gordon Strachan has had an automatic four-match ban reduced to two matches despite a Scottish FA disciplinary meeting upholding the case against the Celtic manager.

Strachan was banished to the stand in the game against Hearts at Parkhead in April after a row with the referee Stuart Dougal.

The Celtic manager was found guilty of misconduct at the meeting at Hampden yesterday afternoon, but his ban was halved. Strachan, who also served a two-match ban after a bust-up at Tynecastle in August 2006, faces a third ban after being sent to the stand after an argument with a steward at Pittodrie in August.

However, the latter case is likely to be put back, with Strachan announcing he is to appeal against yesterday's punishment in time to be in the dug-out for tonight's CIS Insurance Cup tie at Dundee.

The SFA spokesman, Andy Mitchell, said: "There is an automatic four-match suspension on an official who has been found guilty of misconduct in the technical area for the second time. But the committee has the discretion to impose whatever sanction it sees fit."