CELTIC manager Neil Lennon has called the SFA charge against his club for failing to control their players at Hamilton ‘ridiculous’, saying he was surprised to hear about it yesterday.

Both clubs have been cited by the SFA after their players were involved in a pushing match during Sunday’s game at the Fountain of Youth Stadium, following a flashpoint between Leigh Griffiths and Accies defender Sam Woods.

Griffiths was not cited for the incident despite accusations that he stamped on his opponent, adding to Lennon’s shock about being charged under disciplinary rule 204, which demands that players and staff conduct themselves in an orderly fashion during fixtures.

“I thought it was ridiculous,” Lennon said. “We’ll wait and see what happens, but I didn’t think there was anything in it. The media didn’t even ask me about it so I’m hoping nothing comes of it.

“For me Leigh didn’t do anything wrong and there was no malice or intent. If there was, I’d be the first to say. Pushing [Alex Gogic] annoyed me so I had a quick chat with him.

“In terms of the new charge, I’m surprised by it.”

Much more to Lennon’s liking was the scintillating second-half performance put on by his players as they ran out 4-0 winners at Motherwell last night.

Goals from Leigh Griffiths, Callum McGregor and a double from the outstanding Odsonne Edouard made sure that the champions maintained their seven-point advantage at the top of the Premiership.

“[Edouard]’s just special,” said Lennon. “When he’s in that sort of form he’s a joy to watch.

“It was a great finish for the first goal, his link-up was creative and it was great free-kick [for his second]. He’s an outstanding footballer all round and so important to us.

“It was a spectacular second half display against a very good side who caused us problems first half. “Quality of play, motivation, hunger, desire, quality of goals were spectacular. Credit to the players because it was a magnificent win.

“It’s not often you come and win 4-0. Motherwell are a good side and are well coached.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the backroom team too. We’ve started the second half of season brilliantly.”