Celtic's Brendan Rodgers to sit out one game but can return for Rangers derby after ban
Last updated on .From the section Celtic
Celtic's Brendan Rodgers has been given a one-match touchline ban with another suspended, which means he will not miss the forthcoming Old Firm derby.
The Celtic manager complained of "incompetence" and "really poor officiating" in a 2-0 loss away to Hearts earlier this month.
Celtic said "we will accept the panel's decision" after Thurday's hearing and will not be appealing against the ban.
"Clearly, we are disappointed with the outcome," the club added.
"The manager appeared at the hearing today and his defence was presented robustly and thoroughly.
"Like many other clubs, we will continue to press for the highest standards in relation to the VAR process in Scottish football."
During his BBC interview at Tynecastle, Rodgers twice mentioned video assistant referee John Beaton by name, saying VAR interventions meant the game was "refereed outside the field".
VAR reviews during the Scottish Premiership match led to Yang Hyun-jun's yellow card being upgraded to red and Tomoki Iwata conceding a penalty.
Celtic later had their appeal against winger Yang's dismissal rejected.
The ruling over Rodgers' comments means the Northern Irishman will be banned from the dugout for Sunday's trip to Livingston but will be able to return as the defending Scottish champions visit Ibrox for their 7 April city derby against title rivals Rangers.
As well as being missing from the dugout against the side sitting bottom of the Premiership, Rodgers will not be allowed access to the dressing room an hour prior to kick-off, or at half-time, and will only be given access 15 minutes after full-time.
The further one-match ban will only come into play should he further breach Scottish FA rules on making comments about the performance of match officials during games.
