Police ‘still looking at’ brawl in play-off

POLICE have not ruled out pressing criminal charges over the ugly scenes at the end of the Premiership playoff final between Motherwell and Rangers.

Police Scotland has previously confirmed it will be reviewing the circumstances surrounding Sunday’s Fir Park bust-up. At the end of the game, Rangers substitute Bilel Mohsni kicked and punched Motherwell’s Lee Erwin after being pushed by the striker.

Police have confirmed the probe could lead to charges, even though criminal convictions over on-field misconduct are extremely rare. It is understood that Mohsni has not been spoken to yet by police about the incident.

Rangers, who have condemned Mohsni’s actions say the football authorities should examine all incidents in the game, including what sources said was provocation by Motherwell supporters who invaded the pitch and went to the away stand to “goad” their fans.

The club is also referring to an incident in which defender Lee McCulloch was struck by a Motherwell supporter’s flag. Video footage of the incident, which happened just before half-time, was shared thousands of times on social media. A Rangers source said: “It would be extremely unfortunate if the Mohsni incident makes the behaviour of Motherwell fans irrelevant in all this. I think there is a case to answer there.”

Rangers have previously said Mohsni’s behaviour was “completely unacceptable” and that had his contract not expired, the club would have started disciplinary proceedings.

Players and officials from both teams tried to stop the trouble with further scuffles breaking out at the end of the game. The brawl on the final whistle resulted in red cards for Mohsni and home duo Erwin and Fraser Kerr.

Motherwell won the match 3-0 and the two-leg tie 6-1 on aggregate to maintain their place in the division.