The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Gers angered by SFA move to ban Alves
Rangers have responded angrily to the SFA’s “inexplicable” decision to single out Bruno Alves for punishment in the wake of Sunday’s feisty Betfred Cup semi-final.
Portugal international Alves has been offered a two-game ban for allegedly taking a swipe at Motherwell’s Louis Moult.
Gers boss Pedro Caixinha is also facing a one-match ban after his touchline squabble with Well boss Stephen Robinson during his side’s 2-0 defeat at Hampden.
But Ibrox bosses are angry that no action has been taken against any of the Fir Park squad.
The Light Blues – who will appeal Alves’ ban – are furious in particular that Ryan Bowman has not been charged by SFA compliance office Tony McGlennan.
Bowman escaped a second booking despite leaving Gers defender Fabio Cardoso with a broken nose after swinging an arm in his rival’s face.
Cardoso left Motherwell’s double goal hero Moult bloodied after clashing during the first half but it is understood both incidents have been viewed as “reckless” rather than malicious.
McGlennan has, though, issued Alves with a notice of complaint after the 35-year-old appeared to lash out with both feet as he and Moult tangled towards the end of the match.
While Moult was booked after a squabble with Gers hitman Eduardo Herrera, Alves was not even spoken to by referee Steven McLean.
But after reviewing footage, McGlennan has decided to charge Alves and the case will go before a hearing tomorrow.
Rangers, who host Kilmarnock tonight, issued a statement saying: “Rangers are shocked by this decision.
“In the minds of all fairminded followers of football it will be seen as devoid of credibility and balance.
“We do not seek to personalise our criticism. We do, however, have several players injured after the game – one seriously.
“Yet, this decision has singled out only one player – a Rangers player – for punishment. We find this inexplicable.
“Are we being asked to believe just one player was guilty of violent conduct in Sunday’s game? If that is the case, then it is clear Rangers are being assessed to a different standard from others in the Scottish game.”