Leigh Griffiths has been charged charged with an alleged breach of disciplinary rule 86, which covers offences considered to be “not acting in the best interests of association football”.
Breaching rule 86, which states anyone under the SFA’s jurisdiction “shall not act in any manner which is improper”, carries a minimum penalty of a two-match suspension, a medium penalty of a four-match suspension or a maximum penalty of an eight-match suspension for a player.
The charge follows an incident in the Roseburn Bar close to Tynecastle before Sunday’s Edinburgh derby.
Hibs fans spotted their former hero sitting at a table with friends then started a chorus of “Sparky, Sparky, gies a song.’
The Scotland international striker eventually stood up and led the delighted crowd in a chorus of “Hearts are going bust” which was captured on a mobile phone camera and then quickly circulated via social media.
He now faces a minimum two-match suspension from the SFA for mocking Hearts’ financial crisis.
Yesterday he was issued with a notice of complaint from SFA Compliance Officer Vincent Lunny yesterday and will have his case heard at Hampden on 24 April.
Following the announcement a Celtic spokesman said “Following the incident, the player publicly apologised for his actions. Celtic have fined the player and the club has also apologised to Hearts, an apology which they have accepted.
“Therefore, the club feels there is no need for any further action, and this is something which we will defend.”
The incident has ‘sparked’ debate on fans’ forums with a significant number defending Griffiths’ behaviour and slating Lunny for becoming involved.
Photograph by JC Mackintosh
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
