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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Craig McPherson hit with SFA ban after Celtic vs Rangers 'headbutt'

Rangers women's coach Craig McPherson has learned his fate following his recent flashpoint with Celtic's head coach Fran Alonso.

The former Morton and Falkirk player's hearing with the Scottish FA's disciplinary panel happened earlier today.

And the Gers member of staff has been banned for six games following a headbutt aimed at Alonso.

The incident was caught by TV cameras following a 1-1 draw between Celtic and Rangers' women's teams last month.

The SFA charge under disciplinary rule 77 reads: "A recognised football body, club, official, Team Official, other member of Team Staff, player, match official or other person under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA shall, at all times, act in the best interests of Association Football.

"Furthermore such person or body shall not act in any manner which is improper or use any one, or a combination of, violent Conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour."

Police have also have an investigation ongoing into the incident.

McPherson had previously released an apology over the incident, he stated: "I would like to offer a full and unreserved apology for my actions at end of Monday's derby match at Broadwood.

"I know I have severely let myself, our team and the club down. I hold myself to the highest of standards and have never done anything like this before in a long coaching career, and I know I fell way short of that with my actions.

"This club is also built on incredibly high standards, and I have already apologised to the board, the football staff, and our fantastic group of players who I care about dearly. I would also like to apologise to the Rangers fans as I am aware of what a privilege it is to represent this club in any capacity, and I am sorry that on this occasion I did not uphold the standards this club demands.

"I also understand how exciting a time it is for the women's game in Scotland, which I have come to care passionately about, and I apologise for any negativity my actions have brought in our attempts to grow the game. Finally, I am also very grateful to Fran Alonso for accepting my apology in full following our lengthy conversation earlier in the week.

"I will also apologise to the Scottish FA at my hearing and will, of course, accept in full, whatever punishment they deem appropriate. I simply want to apologise today, convey my massive regret and explain how out of character this moment has been for me."

Probed on the incident, Rangers boss Michael Beale said at the time: “I didn’t see it live. I haven’t seen it since, I have obviously been told about it.

“I know with the SFA and Rangers there is an ongoing discussion around it.

“All I would say on Craig is that it is out of character for him. I think everyone who knows him in Scotland, knows him as a man, (knows) it is out of character.

“The SFA, the club and Craig are away having discussions about it. I personally haven’t spoken to him on it.”

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