Jozo Simunovic to miss opening two Premiership fixtures

Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic will miss the first two Scottish Premiership fixtures after being sent off in the Hoops’ pre-season friendly against St Gallen, the Daily Record report.

Simunovic was shown his marching orders after a high challenge with 15 minutes remaining in Celtic’s 0-0 draw against the Swiss side earlier this month.

And referee Fedayi San has surprisingly included the red card involving the Bosnian in his match report, which will result in the player missing the opening fixtures against St Johnstone and Motherwell.

Simunovic’s fate was sealed following the Swiss FA’s verdict:

In accordance with JPP (Judicial Panel Protocol) Annex C, section 4, Part D paragraph 3, the misconduct reported shall be recorded and the resultant suspension applied.

The outstanding suspension applied for this offence is two first team matches immediate (domestic football).

The news will come as a major blow to the player, who became a regular following the return of Neil Lennon last season.

Simunovic, who played the full 90 minutes against FK Sarajevo in the Champions League qualifier on Wednesday, was looking likely to start against St Johnstone on August 3rd, however, his hopes have now been dashed following the latest report.