CELTIC have suspended Italian Paolo Di Canio without pay for two weeks after his latest outburst against the club. The suspension, announced by chairman Fergus McCann, following Di Canio's comments about a contract `problem', will cost the Italian an estimated £25,000.

Di Canio, named player of the year in Scotland by his fellow professionals in his first season at Celtic Park, will not play in Dublin tomorrow for Celtic against the Republic of Ireland. McCann was furious yesterday at Di Canio's `open letter to Celtic fans'. In the letter, addressed to "my dear friends," Di Canio does not pull any punches. "The dream I thought I had started to realise when I became Celtic captain is disintegrating before my own eyes," he said.

"I would have to go against all my principles if I went on playing for a club whose Managing Director does not keep the promises he made to me, giving his gentleman's word, before the start of the season.

. Celtic legend Paul McStay last night faced up to life without football as his career was cut cruelly short at the age of 32. The Celtic and Scotland midfielder has been told he must retire from the professional game because of a recurring ankle injury.