Celtic women’s boss Fran Alonso has revealed he was commended for his conduct by chairman Peter Lawwell and chief executive Michael Nicholson after he was headbutted from behind by Rangers coach Craig McPherson.
McPherson received a six-game ban for the incident that came after a draw between the SWPL teams at Broadwood Stadium at the end of last month. Celtic boss Alonso was unwilling to be drawn on whether he thought the punishment lenient and maintained he now wants to move on and focus on his team’s title challenge.
And he said: “The day after the event, our CEO and our chairman and many of our directors, they called me to express how proud they were of my behaviour, my players’ behaviour and to express that they have my back whatever happens and that to me is what matters.” Alonso also confirmed that he had received a private apology from McPherson.
He said: “Craig did call me and apologise and he said that neither myself nor Celtic did anything wrong and for me that is what I wanted to hear. I am ready to move on. We are playing for our lives here. I want all the focus to be on football.”
Celtic cut the gap on SWPL leaders Glasgow City to five points yesterday with a 4-2 win over Leanne Ross’ side at Petershill Park and to stay a point in front of Rangers. The Light Blues had also been at Petershill earlier in the afternoon, when they beat Partick Thistle 5-0.
Alonso added: “I was focused on my game and getting three points. We were superb yesterday.”
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