SFA backs ref over Boruc booking

Referee Iain Brines booked Boruc after the final whistle at Easter Road

The Scottish FA has backed referee Iain Brines over the yellow card he gave to Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc.

Brines booked the Polish keeper for gesturing to the home supporters after the 2-0 win at Easter Road on Saturday.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan said the booking was unfair and asked for the rules to be clarified.

But the SFA said Brines was correct to show the yellow card if a player made gestures which are "intended to incite or ridicule opposing spectators".

A player may also be booked if his gestures are "provocative, derisory or inflammatory".

I clearly saw Boruc make a number of gestures towards the home spectators Referee Iain Brines

The referee acted in line with instructions and within the guidelines "which are universal in football and should be known by all participants," the SFA said.

Brines said: "I clearly saw Boruc make a number of gestures towards the home spectators, using his hands and arms in a fashion which could only be described as inflammatory, provoking hostile reaction from the terracings."

Strachan expressed frustration over Boruc's booking and urged clarification on the disciplinary rules.

"When teams beat us, they all go around the park clapping everybody, including Celtic fans," said Strachan.

"It is like a day of national rejoicing. Massimo Donati came off today and clapped everybody and nothing happened.

"But if you cannot wave to the fans then tell us, give us the rules.

"Hopefully, it's the same for everybody else but it seems to be different."