RANGERS Women’s coach Craig McPherson has learned his SFA fate in the wake of his clash with Celtic Women’s head coach Fran Alonso.
The compliance officer called the former Morton and Falkirk star to account after he was spotted on the TV cameras aiming a headbutt at the back of Alonso’s head.
Police have also have an investigation ongoing into the incident – which came at the end of a fiery Old Firm derby in the SWPL which ended in a 1-1 draw.
But McPherson faced a hearing in front of an SFA panel today where he admitted the charge and was handed an immediate SIX-match ban in all competitions.
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.”
Brogan Hay had put the Light Blues in front in the first half, capitalising on a mistake inside the box from Kelly Clark in the 36th minute to tap home.
It looked as though Rangers were heading for the crucial win but Celtic star Caitlyn Hayes scored a dramatic equaliser in the NINTH minute of stoppage time to level the scoring and to secure a point for the Hoops – which handed both sides’ Glasgow rivals Glasgow City a huge boost in the title race.
McPherson previously issued a statement to say that he had apologised personally to Alonso over the affair and was embarrassed by his conduct.
McPherson said: “I know I have severely let myself, our team and the club down.
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“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.”
Alonso claimed after the match that he was getting called a “little rat” during the explosive end to the derby.
Addressing the incident on Sky Sports after the match, he said: “As you can see from there [the pictures], someone came in from behind.”
“I never talked to him the whole game. It’s always disappointing to concede a goal in the last minute.
“I totally get it. I was called a little rat, I don’t know why.”
Cops confirmed: “We have received a report regarding an incident at Broadwood Stadium on the evening of Monday, 27 March, 2023.
“Enquiries to establish any criminality are at an early stage.”
Celtic issued a statement on the affair, saying: “Clearly this is a hugely concerning incident, falling well below any acceptable standard.
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“We understand the matter is now being investigated and it will be up to all relevant authorities to take any appropriate action.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
