Aberdeen have revealed their “total shock” at the decision to offer Scott McKenna a two-game ban for his tackle on Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard.
Angry Dons chiefs now say they will appeal the decision “in the strongest possible terms”.
Defender McKenna has been charged with serious foul play for his lunge which forced Edouard to hobble off during Saturday’s Parkhead showdown.
Referee Bobby Madden saw the incident at the time but took no action against the Reds player.
However, Scottish Football Association compliance officer Clare Whyte has decided action is required and has now offered McKenna a two-match suspension under the governing body’s fast-track protocol.
A club spokesperson said: “It came as a total shock to learn that Scott has been cited for an incident where the referee deemed there was no offence committed and we have subsequently lodged an appeal.”
Unless the appeal is successful, Scotland centre-back McKenna will be ruled out of Saturday’s visit of St Mirren and their October 20 clash with Ladbrokes Premiership leaders Hearts at Tynecastle.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers criticised McKenna’s tackle after his side’s 1-0 win.
“It was a very reckless challenge,” said the Parkhead boss, who tried to sign McKenna during the summer. “When you see the challenge back, I don’t think it was a penalty as it’s just outside the box.
“But when a centre-half comes across like that and jumps off the floor that high with two feet then catches the player high up on his thigh – which he has the marks to prove – then it’s a clear foul.”
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