Soccer:Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell hit back at his Scottish Football Association (SFA) counterpart Stewart Regan for including Hoops players in his statement condemning the chaotic Old Firm Scottish Cup fifth-round replay at Parkhead last night.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon and Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist clashed at the end of an ill-tempered game in which the home side won 1-0 with a Mark Wilson goal.

Lennon flared up at McCoist and had to be pulled away by Celtic first-team coach Alan Thompson, while at the same time Rangers striker El-Hadji Diouf, booked earlier in the match for a touchline confrontation with the Celtic boss, was being shown a second yellow card by referee Calum Murray for dissent.

The Ibrox club had finished the game with nine men after the first-half dismissal of Steven Whittaker for picking up two yellow cards with defender Madjid Bougherra receiving his marching orders in stoppage time after a challenge on Kris Commons, having been booked earlier.

Confirming that an investigation would take place, Regan described the behaviour witnessed at Celtic Park as "inflammatory and irresponsible" while claiming that "last night's actions - which culminated in three red cards and 13 cautions in total - also re-emphasised the ongoing lack of respect for our match official".

However, Lawwell was furious at his players being implicated and exonerated Lennon.

"Stewart Regan, chief executive of the SFA, has issued a statement this morning and while we will clearly co-operate fully with any SFA investigation, we must take issue with elements of Stewart's statement," he told the club's official website.

"My prime concern is Celtic and I can only comment on our club. However, I believe that events should be put into some perspective.

"Celtic had three players booked last night. To put this in the context of other matches, St Johnstone last night received two bookings in their match against Aberdeen, while Motherwell received five bookings against Celtic last Sunday.

"Contrary to Stewart's statement I do not think that our players showed a lack of respect to officials. Neil has made a statement in terms of the incident with Ally McCoist and I believe they met after the match.

"While I understand that this will be part of the SFA investigation, I know that both Neil and Ally have moved on from this in the correct manner."

Regan believes the events, which were shown around the world, damaged the image of Scottish football and believes Lennon and McCoist inflamed what is always a volatile fixture.

In a strongly-worded statement, Regan said: "The Scottish FA categorically condemns the inflammatory and irresponsible behaviour throughout last night's Scottish Cup replay between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park.

"As chief executive of this organisation, I was both saddened and deeply embarrassed to witness the scenes that unfolded during what is supposed to be Scottish football's flagship fixture: these images were broadcast around the world and shows our game in a poor light.

"I acknowledge the pressures of expectation on both clubs but last night's behaviour crossed the boundaries of acceptable conduct at a football match.

"We have already launched an investigation into all incidents that occurred and will do everything in our power to ensure there is no repeat."

Regan added: "The unedifying sight of two of the country's most recognisable and respected coaches engaged in an angry confrontation was not only unsavoury but exacerbated an already incendiary atmosphere inside the stadium and throughout the west of Scotland.

"The clubs have a duty of care to ensure that the image and integrity of the game is upheld at all times. This was not adhered to last night."

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond confirmed that a meeting would take place between Celtic and Rangers, the Scottish Government, police and the Scottish Football Association regarding conduct surrounding Old Firm encounters.

Meanwhile, Les Gray, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, who called earlier in the week for the fixture to be banned, said: "This madness cannot go on."

And Regan acknowledged those concerns. He said: "This week, Strathclyde Police reiterated their concerns over the heightening violence and public disorder around Old Firm derbies.

"It is incumbent on Rangers and Celtic to ensure a far more responsible level of behaviour.

"In an age of austerity and financial hardship, football must try harder than ever in this country to restore its image as the national sport, extolling pride and passion. It fails in this regard."

Lennon and McCoist initially clashed after the Celtic boss had a touchline confrontation with Diouf following Whittaker's dismissal 10 minutes before the interval.

There was a fracas as the players went up the tunnel at half-time but the second half was relatively trouble-free until injury time when Bougherra was sent off.

The Rangers defender remonstrated with referee Murray and grabbed the official's arm to try to prevent him raising his cards.

After being sent off Diouf, who had also continued his ongoing feud with Hoops skipper Scott Brown during the game, made his way over to the travelling support before throwing his jersey in among them.

Regan praised referee Murray for keeping his head among the mayhem.

He said. "It was a source of comfort that at least one person retained his composure amid last night's chaos.

"Only a matter of months after our referees withdrew their labour, we had to witness the match official, Calum Murray, being manhandled, while another player who had been dismissed brazenly walked to his own supporters in defiance.

"It is a tribute to his professionalism that Calum and his team kept calm.

"A degree of faith in Scottish football was lost last night. All parties must work together to help restore it."