Ex-Celtic star Leigh Griffiths still faces SFA ban sweat – despite playing in Australia
LEIGH GRIFFITHS escaped jail time for kicking a flare into a crowd of St Johnstone fans.
But the former Celtic and Scotland hero could STILL face a lengthy playing ban from the SFA - even though he currently plays his football in Australia.
The former striker, 33, pled guilty to behaving recklessly while playing for Dundee in a derby match against St Johnstone.
He jetted in from Australia two days ago to appear in person at Dundee sheriff court - with Sheriff George Way sentencing him to a £1000 fine, reduced from £1500 because of his early plea.
But he's had an SFA notice of complaint hanging over his head for the best part of two years - with that put on hold until the outcome of court action was revealed.
The striker faces charges for alleged breaches of THREE SFA disciplinary rules.
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The rules are allegedly breached by Griffiths are as follows –
Disciplinary Rule 71 – No recognised football body, club, official, Team Official or other member of Team Staff, player, match official, or other person under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA shall bring the game into disrepute.
Disciplinary Rule 77 – A recognised football body, club, official, Team Official, other member of Team Staff, player, match official or other person under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA shall, at all times, act in the best interests of Association Football. Furthermore such person or body shall not act in any manner which is improper or use any one, or a combination of, violent Conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour.
Disciplinary Rule 202 – No player shall commit Excessive Misconduct at a match.
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While another hearing could still follow, for now the fact he is out in Australia means that the SFA panel doesn't have jurisdiction.
All that could change, though, particularly if he returns to Scotland to play football.
The court heard he was on loan from Celtic at the time and they had also fined him two weeks' wages for the misdemeanour - £15,000.
Due to a visa hold up because of the case, the court heard that he was currently playing ‘for free’ for current side Mandurah City.
Mandurah face a two-legged play-off against Fremantle City over the next two weekends as they bid for promotion from West State League Division 1.
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