Lennon free to play over new year

Neil Lennon could face a further ban for his protests leaving the pitch

Celtic captain captain Neil Lennon will be available for the club's new year programme - despite facing the prospect of a further ban.

Lennon, 33, was sent off in the 1-0 win over Falkirk on Saturday and automatically misses the Boxing Day game against Dundee United.

The player could receive a further ban over his actions after he was sent off.

But Lennon will be available for the trip to Motherwell on 30 December and the Kilmarnock game four days later.

Interview: Celtic manager Gordon Strachan

An SFA spokesman said: "The SFA offices do not open again until Tuesday, but it is standard procedure for all sendings off to constitute an automatic one-match ban.

"If there is any additional information in the referee's report, it will be discussed at the next disciplinary meeting in January."

I don't know why Neil got so agitated... it was a stupid incident that marred a good game of football Celtic boss Gordon Strachan

Lennon clashed with Anthony Stokes after he had won a penalty for the home side near the end of Saturday's game.

The Celtic captain threw his armband away after being red-carded and was involved in a heated exchange with one of the referee's assistants.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan remained tight-lipped over the penalty incident and Lennon's red card.

"I never saw the penalty right, so I'll need to look at it," said Strachan.

"Neil and I were called to the referee's room. I can't say what was said. I'll let the referee tell you - I just listened, and confirmed my name.

"I don't know why Neil got so agitated... it was a stupid incident that marred a good game of football."

Assessing the match, Strachan said: "The games are too end-to-end for me just now and we need to stop that. Our priority right now is to play better."

Strachan said he was happy Celtic were 16 points clear at the top of the SPL, despite "not firing on all cylinders".

"Luckily we're doing well and not getting beat," he added.

"Falkirk hit the crossbar, they're a good side and we gave them a lot of respect."