ANTHONY STOKES will serve an automatic two-game ban after being sent off for violent conduct in last night's quarter-final replay win over Dundee United.

Ryan McGowan was also shown a straight red for a tackle on Liam Henderson, which Ronny Deila claimed could have left him injured for life.

Stokes lashed out in retaliation at Paul Paton after claiming the United midfielder had hit him in the mouth, which was left bleeding.

Paton denied any intent on his part, and also questioned if McGowan's tackle even merited a card.

None of which will help defuse the atmosphere when both clubs meet again at Celtic Park this weekend.

Hoops striker Leigh Griffiths - who scored Celtic's second goal and had been subbed when the closing-minutes madness descended - could still smile as he contemplated another rematch with a United side who have seen four men sent off to Celtic's two in the three meetings between the clubs over the past 10 days.

He joked: "That's six red cards in three games now. And, if I was a betting man, I would be putting money on another sending off this Saturday.

"It is just one of those things, and the Dundee United players are getting a bit frustrated. We move on to Saturday and, hopefully, we can pick up another three points.

"I don't think there is niggle between both sets of players. I just think Dundee United are sick of the sight of Celtic. We have got them again on Saturday, and then we don't see them for a while."

Griffiths had some sympathy for his team-mate, Stokes, and continued: "Stokesy has got a cut lip, and I think something happened off the ball before he got sent off.

"He has reacted to that. He should not have, and one of the Dundee United players has had a lunge at Hendo. That is disappointing. But we're through to the next round, and that is all that matters."

Griffiths hopes to add to his rapidly-increasing tally this weekend, but would also like to stay on the pitch if he does.

Kris Commons was also substituted immediately after he scored goal No.3, and Griffiths said: "I knew I was going to be substituted just before I scored. That is becoming a habit, and maybe the manager should tell John Collins to keep the subs warming up.

"I just told the manager it was becoming a habit. But if I keep scoring, then I will be a happy guy. It was a great pass from Scott Brown for my goal.

"He came running over to me and said 'I bet you did not expect that'. To be fair I didn't think he had that in his locker."