Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
KILMARNOCK v RANGERS BANNED
Gers lose star men to Pittodrie punishment
RANGERS were last night reeling after being hit by a disciplinary double blow with Alfredo Morelos and Allan Mcgregor copping bans.
The Ibrox club lost their appeal against the red card dished out to hitman Morelos against Aberdeen – with the Colombian slapped with a three-match suspension.
Keeper Mcgregor is facing a two-game ban after his studs-up challenge on Dons midfielder Lewis Ferguson was picked up by SFA compliance officer Clare Whyte.
Rangers are considering an appeal ahead of Tuesday’s hearing and are fuming at the double whammy. The Ibrox anger was fuelled further as Aberdeen ace Ferguson’s yellow card for kicking Mcgregor was not upgraded – while Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic escaped a ban for his high-profile clash with Hibs striker Oli Shaw.
The SFA fast track panel dismissed the attempt to overturn the Morelos sending off in Wednesday’s 4-2 win at Pittodrie – and the striker copped an extra league game ban because it was his second domestic red of the season.
The Gers frontman will miss today’s Scottish Cup clash with Kilmarnock plus next week’s league game against St Johnstone and the following week’s meeting with Hamilton.
Morelos would be available to play in any cup replay against Killie as the added match only applies to the league.
Mcgregor is set to sit out the next two Premiership clashes but Gers have until Monday to contest the call. Gary Mcallister rigorously defended Morelos. The Ibrox No.2 insisted the attacker did not deserve to be sent off – and ref Bobby Madden judged him on previous bad behaviour. Mcallister said: “I think his reputation slightly influenced that. There is a wrestling match (left) and two competitive players trying to get the ball. “The position the pair get into is awkward and I don’t know where Alfredo can put his legs. Not unless he does the splits. Was there an intentional stamp? I don’t see it.
“No player goes on to a pitch looking to be violent. But there’s emotion. In moments in games things happen. But I don’t think there is violence or premeditated stuff.”