Alloa star Mouhamed Niang handed two-match ban over tackle on Celtic ace Yosuke Ideguchi
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ALLOA star Mouhamed Niang has been handed a two-match ban over his tackle on Yosuke Ideguchi.
The midfielder was originally booked for his challenge on the Celtic star during their sides' Scottish Cup clash last weekend.
However, an SFA disciplinary panel has now upgraded that to a red card following a hearing at Hampden this morning.
And it means Niang will miss the Wasps' clash with Clyde tomorrow as well as the next Scottish Cup match he is available for selection in.
Reports earlier claimed Alloa had put together a dossier of statements from former referees in Scotland and England backing the original yellow card.
They reportedly hoped they would be allowed to submit that to the panel as they considered the hearing today.
The League One club have yet to make an official statement on the latest development.
However, manager Barry Ferguson insisted earlier this week that Alloa would appeal any ban handed to Niang.
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Speaking on Go Radio, the Rangers legend said: "One thing I will say is we will appeal the decision.
"I'm not saying he didn't connect with Guchi. He did, but if you watch it closely, he was focused on winning the ball.
"But unfortunately the follow through connected with his ankle.
"It looked a lot worse slowed down. I feel for him, I've been in contact with him since Saturday.
"He's been getting stick on social media but I've got to support him."
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Ideguchi wasn't the only Celtic star forced off during the game against Alloa as Liel Abada also had to be withdrawn early.
While Callum McGregor had to be taken off after suffering a nasty facial injury that will keep him on the sidelines for some time.
And speaking after the match, Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou insisted referees have to do more to protect players in Scottish football.
He said: “I think the referee’s role in any game is to be the protector of both sets of players.
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“To make sure there’s an environment there that protects players from incidents like we saw.
“It wasn’t just the one causing the injury, I thought there were quite a few challenges he could have taken better control of.
“I don’t question referees’ decisions, I understand they’ve got a difficult job to do.
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“We’ve had some good ones, we’ve had some bad ones. I’ve never used them as an excuse.
“But in terms of protection of players, that’s where referees have to be vigilant — because we’re told they will be at the start of every season."
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