INVERNESS defender Josh Meekings has been offered a one-match ban by the Scottish FA Compliance Officer after the controversial hand-ball incident during the Hampden clash with Celtic on Sunday.

 

The Caley star blocked a Leigh Griffiths header with his hand towards the end of the first half at the National Stadium, with Celtic leading 1-0 at the time.

The decision by whistler Steven McLean and additional assistant Alan Muir not to send Meekings off and award a penalty infuriated the Hoops as their Treble dreams were ended.

Meekings has now been charged with a breach of SFA rule 200, which states: "In that at the above match you did deny the opposing team an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball".

He has until tomorrow to respond to the Notice of Complaint and a hearing has been set for Thursday. If the ban is accepted, Meekings will miss the William Hill Scottish Cup final against Falkirk on May 30.

Speaking after the game at the weekend, Meekings admitted that the ball did hit his hand as Griffiths attempted to double Celtic's advantage.

Meekings said: "He's [Griffiths] two yards away and I've gone to throw my body in the way and unfortunately it's come off my hand but fortunately at the same time it hasn't been given.

"I'm absolutely delighted I was able to carry on and play the game."

Griffiths also commented on the flashpoint and said: "You would need to ask the referee and the assistant behind the goal why they thought it wasn't a penalty.

"I asked the centre-half during the game if it hit his hand or his face and he said 'hand, 100%'."

On Monday night, Celtic confirmed they had written to the SFA seeking clarity on the controversial call and Compliance Officer Tony McGlennan has now added another twist to the tale.

Caley Thistle immediately announced their intention to fight the suspension.

In a statement, they said: "Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC can confirm that it has declined the fixed one-match suspension offer in relation to the notice of complaint issued to Josh Meekings following an alleged breach of disciplinary rule 200 at the ICTFC v Celtic game on Sunday, March 19 2015.

"The club intends to vigorously defend our player and is taking legal advice on the issue."

"We are extremely disappointed that this has arisen and the player himself is mentally shattered at the turn of events."

"Josh is keen to appear in person at the disciplinary hearing and we will most strongly support him by all means available."

Inverness are already missing the other half of their central defence for the final after Gary Warren picked up his second booking of the competition against Celtic.