Dundee United striker Nadir Ciftci has been charged with kicking Scott Brown on the head during Sunday’s fiery William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final with Celtic.
But the Hoops skipper and Ciftci’s Tangerines team-mates Aidan Connolly and Calum Butcher are all off the hook for alleged offences committed during the dramatic 1-1 draw at Tannadice.
The Scottish Football Association’s compliance officer Tony McGlennan had until 3pm on Tuesday to launch proceedings against the trio but decided not to proceed.
Celtic boss Ronny Deila accused Connolly of diving to win a first-half penalty, while Butcher was involved in the early spat which saw the home side’s Paul Paton and Parkhead defender Virgil van Dijk dismissed.
The rammy was sparked when Brown landed a heavy ninth-minute challenge on Ciftci.
The Turkish frontman responded by lashing out at the Celtic midfielder while Butcher and Van Dijk also appeared to exchange blows on the deck.
But after discussing the events with linesman Graham Chambers, referee Craig Thomson handed red cards to Paton and Dutchman Van Dijk – a decision which left the United bench stunned.
The SFA have now confirmed they have received an appeal from the Tangerines, with Paton claiming he is the victim of “mistaken identity”. Celtic have also challenged the decision to send off Van Dijk on the grounds of wrongful dismissal.
But a spokesman has confirmed to Press Association Sport that the governing body will take no further action against Butcher or Connolly, who won the spot-kick which Ciftci dispatched to put his side 1-0 up after tripping while darting past Anthony Stokes.
United manager Jackie McNamara claimed it was Brown’s tackle which sparked the entire melee but he has also been told he will not face punishment.
However, it is Ciftci who will now have to defend himself after he was charged with aiming a boot at Brown’s head.
Speaking on Monday, Brown said: “I was kicked in the head (by Ciftci). You can blatantly see that. We will see what happens with that.”
The Notice of Complaint McGlennan has drawn up states Ciftci breached disciplinary rule 200 by committing an act of violent conduct when he “deliberately kicked an opposing player, Scott Brown of Celtic FC, upon the head”.
If found guilty the 23-year-old – who is already suspended for Sunday’s QTS Scottish League Cup final with Celtic – will be handed a two-match ban.
Ciftci has until 3pm on Wednesday to respond to the charge. A principal hearing has been set for Thursday.