The Inverness Caledonian Thistle defender Josh Meekings is set to miss the Scottish Cup final after being offered a retrospective ban for handling Leigh Griffiths’ goal-bound header.

The Scottish Football Association compliance officer Tony McGlennan has issued a “notice of complaint” to Meekings, whose transgression was missed by the six match officials on duty at Hampden on Sunday when Caley Thistle beat Celtic 3-2.

Meekings has until 3pm on Wednesday to respond to the charge with a hearing date set for Thursday if his club decide to contest the ban.

Caley Thistle immediately announced their intention to fight the suspension. In a statement, they said: “Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC can confirm that it has declined the fixed one-match suspension offer in relation to the notice of complaint issued to Josh Meekings following an alleged breach of disciplinary rule 200 at the ICTFC v Celtic game on Sunday, March 19 2015.

“The club intends to vigorously defend our player and is taking legal advice on the issue.

“We are extremely disappointed that this has arisen and the player himself is mentally shattered at the turn of events.

“Josh is keen to appear in person at the disciplinary hearing and we will most strongly support him by all means available.”

Inverness are already missing the other half of their central defence after Gary Warren picked up his second booking of the competition against Celtic, which instantly ruled him out of the 30 May Hampden meeting with Falkirk.