SPFL Charges Celtic Following Arne Engels Incident in Hibernian Clash
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has officially charged Celtic following a controversial incident in their recent match against Hibernian. Arne Engels, a midfielder for Celtic, was involved in a high-profile altercation in which he allegedly stamped on a Hibernian player’s foot during the game. The incident has attracted significant attention, leading to the SPFL’s swift action.
The Incident
The altercation took place during the first half of the match at Celtic Park, when Engels appeared to stamp on the foot of a Hibernian player while trying to regain possession of the ball. Television replays and multiple angles captured the moment, sparking outrage from Hibernian supporters, as well as heated debate in the media. The Hibernian player, who has since been identified as midfielder Joe Newell, was visibly in discomfort after the incident, though he continued to play.
Despite the incident’s apparent severity, the referee opted not to show Engels a card at the time. This has led to criticism of both the officiating and the lack of immediate punishment. However, after reviewing video footage and complaints from Hibernian officials, the SPFL decided to charge Celtic for the incident.
SPFL Statement
In its official statement, the SPFL confirmed that a charge had been brought against Celtic for the actions of Arne Engels. The governing body has emphasized that such conduct is not in line with the league’s standards of player behavior and will be reviewed in detail as part of a disciplinary hearing.
“The SPFL takes all incidents of this nature seriously,” the statement read. “After careful review of the footage from the match between Celtic and Hibernian, the charge has been brought against Celtic following Arne Engels’ involvement in an incident involving Hibernian’s Joe Newell.”
Celtic’s Response
Celtic FC has acknowledged the SPFL’s charge and stated that the club will fully cooperate with any subsequent investigations. While the club has refrained from making any further public comment, insiders suggest that Celtic may argue that Engels’ actions were unintentional or a result of a misjudgment in the heat of the moment.
Engels, who joined Celtic in the summer transfer window, has yet to comment publicly on the incident. The player has been an important part of the Celtic midfield this season, but this incident could tarnish his reputation within the league if found guilty of improper conduct.
Potential Consequences
The charges levied by the SPFL could lead to a range of disciplinary outcomes. If found guilty, Arne Engels could face a suspension, potentially missing key fixtures for Celtic. Additionally, the club could be fined, depending on the severity of the charge. While the outcome remains uncertain, this incident has once again highlighted the importance of player conduct both on and off the field in Scottish football.
Hibernian’s Reaction
Hibernian FC has yet to make an official statement on the matter. However, manager Lee Johnson had been vocal in his criticism of the incident immediately after the match, calling it “unacceptable” and calling for a review. Newell, the player at the center of the incident, also expressed his displeasure in the aftermath, noting that he was lucky not to have been more seriously injured.
Looking Ahead
As the disciplinary process moves forward, both Celtic and Arne Engels will have the opportunity to defend themselves. A hearing is likely to take place in the coming days, and depending on the findings, the outcome could have significant ramifications for Celtic as they continue their quest for domestic success.
The SPFL’s decision to charge Celtic highlights its commitment to upholding standards of conduct in Scottish football. As the investigation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how this case develops, and whether it sets a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future.
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