ROB’S ‘PUNCH’ BAN

RANGERS defender Rob Kiernan is facing a two-match ban for his alleged punch on St Johnstone’s Steven Anderson in the midweek draw at McDiarmid Park. The centre-half won’t, however, miss today’s Old Firm clash at Ibrox because the SFA charge will not be heard until next Thursday. The compliance officer confirmed yesterday that, as expected, Kiernan had been cited over an incident that left Anderson claiming he had been hit with a ‘clear punch’ in the ribs. In yesterday’s Sportsmail, Rangers manager Mark Warburton insisted he would be surprised if any action was forthcoming. ‘It was a push in the stomach,’ said the Ibrox boss. ‘I am bemused at some of the comments. I don’t think there is anything to contest.’ The charge covers Rule 200, the wording of yesterday’s announcement making it clear that the offence in question was ‘violent conduct’. The statement said Kiernan was accused of having ‘committed this offence by striking an opponent, namely Steven Anderson of St Johnstone Football Club, upon the body. That by committing this offence, you breached Disciplinary Rule 200 of the Scottish FA’s Disciplinary Rules.’ Kiernan has been offered a fixed suspension of two games to be served immediately, irrespective of competition, which means he’s in line to miss the Scottish Cup fourth-round tie at home to Motherwell — plus the league fixture against the Steelmen at Fir Park the following weekend. The stopper, whose case couldn’t be heard ahead of today’s visit of Celtic to Ibrox, has until 3pm on Wednesday — the next opening day for the SFA offices, closed over New Year — to respond.

JOHN GREECHAN