Celtic boss Neil Lennon has been hit with a six-game touchline suspension from the Scottish Football Association.
The Hoops boss had launched an appeal against his automatic two-match ban and an additional charge of excessive misconduct after being sent to the stands during the game with Hearts on 10th November.
But the SFA disciplinary committee took a very dim view of Lennon's appeal and opted to treble his original penalty.
The Glasgow giants must now cope without their manager in the dugout for six forthcoming matches during what could be a pivotal period in their season.
Celtic are currently top of the SPL with a four-point cushion over rivals Rangers, although the Ibrox outfit do still have two games in hand.
Guilty
A statement from the SFA confirmed: "Following a meeting of the Scottish FA's Disciplinary Committee at Hampden Park today, the Celtic manager, Neil Lennon, was found guilty of excessive misconduct.
"Mr Lennon will serve his automatic two-match ban for being dismissed during the Clydesdale Bank Premier League match against Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle on November 10, 2010, plus an additional four matches for excessive misconduct.
"The sanctions are effective from Tuesday, January 18, and Mr Lennon has seven days to appeal the decision."
With Lennon's suspension beginning next week, he will still be in the dug-out for Wednesday's game at Hamilton and the weekend trip to Hibernian.
However, he will be banned for the Scottish Cup fifth round tie against Rangers at Ibrox, after the Old Firm rivals were paired together in today's draw at Hampden.
The Hoops boss is also in the stand for the Co-operative Insurance Cup tie against Aberdeen and two Scottish Premier League games against the Dons, as well as league games against Hearts and Dundee United.
The Hoops boss had launched an appeal against his automatic two-match ban and an additional charge of excessive misconduct after being sent to the stands during the game with Hearts on 10th November.
But the SFA disciplinary committee took a very dim view of Lennon's appeal and opted to treble his original penalty.
The Glasgow giants must now cope without their manager in the dugout for six forthcoming matches during what could be a pivotal period in their season.
Celtic are currently top of the SPL with a four-point cushion over rivals Rangers, although the Ibrox outfit do still have two games in hand.
Guilty
A statement from the SFA confirmed: "Following a meeting of the Scottish FA's Disciplinary Committee at Hampden Park today, the Celtic manager, Neil Lennon, was found guilty of excessive misconduct.
"Mr Lennon will serve his automatic two-match ban for being dismissed during the Clydesdale Bank Premier League match against Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle on November 10, 2010, plus an additional four matches for excessive misconduct.
"The sanctions are effective from Tuesday, January 18, and Mr Lennon has seven days to appeal the decision."
With Lennon's suspension beginning next week, he will still be in the dug-out for Wednesday's game at Hamilton and the weekend trip to Hibernian.
However, he will be banned for the Scottish Cup fifth round tie against Rangers at Ibrox, after the Old Firm rivals were paired together in today's draw at Hampden.
The Hoops boss is also in the stand for the Co-operative Insurance Cup tie against Aberdeen and two Scottish Premier League games against the Dons, as well as league games against Hearts and Dundee United.