Strachan silent over steward spat

Gordon Strachan and Jimmy Calderwood discuss the flashpoint

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan refused to speak to the media following his red card in the 3-1 victory against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Strachan was sent to the stand after a heated exchange with an Aberdeen steward when Celtic took an 85th minute lead through Kenny Miller.

The Celtic boss became involved after the steward accused his assistant Garry Pendrey of gesturing to the Dons fans.

Strachan intervened and was sent from the dugout by referee Charlie Richmond.

Celtic first team coach Tommy Burns, who spoke on behalf of the club after the game in Strachan's absence, said the flashpoint was regrettable.

"Someone came down with a steward's badge on, looking to bring a policeman into it and accused Garry of sticking his two fingers up provocatively," said Burns.

People think they can turn up and scream the most horrible abuse at others who are a few feet away from them Celtic coach Tommy Burns

"Gordon knew that wasn't the case and he said the steward was telling a lie.

"Then, for some strange reason, he was sent to the stand, so it will be interesting to see what he was actually sent to the stand for."

Burns said the incident highlighted a worrying trend at Scottish football grounds, where managers and officials were abused frequently.

"People think they can turn up and scream the most horrible abuse at others who are a few feet away from them," the Celtic coach added.

"Then, when people on the sidelines turn round and give them a wink or a wave, they want to go and report it to the police.

"Shame on them because we accept all the criticism that comes our way on the sidelines and that is part and parcel of the game."

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood told BBC Sport: "I think he got annoyed with one of the crowd, or one of the stewards."

A spokesman for the Pittodrie club said it would not comment further until it had received the referee's report.