Gardyne facing no action over ‘slur’ at County

ROSS COUNTY will take no further action against Michael Gardyne after investigating allegations made following this month’s meeting with Rangers. The 34-year-old was accused of using an offensive term during a flashpoint that occurred just before half-time in his side’s 4-0 defeat. Following a late challenge by Iain Vigurs on Alfredo Morelos, Rangers defender Connor Goldson reacted furiously to something Gardyne (pictured) said. Referee John Beaton booked Gardyne for ‘foul and abusive language’ but Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard later revealed his players claimed something ‘serious’ had been uttered. Gardyne’s agent, Tom Callaghan, insisted his client nt did not use any homophobic or racist language and vowed to help him clear his name. County chief executive Steven Ferguson last week asked for more time to allow the club to complete their inquiries and the outcome was revealed d yesterday with the Dingwall outfit deciding Gardyne had no case to answer. ‘Following an incident involving Michael Gardyne during our recent home fixture against Rangers, the club has now concluded an internal investigation,’ said a County statement. ‘As a result, the club will be taking no further action against the player and no further comment will be made.’ Scottish FA compliance officer Clare Whyte has also been investigating the incident but there has yet to be confirmation of any planned action. Speaking after the December 6 match, Gerrard said: ‘What my players are saying they heard, it shouldn’t be heard on a football pitch. That’s all I’m going to say on it.’

ALFREDO MORELOS will discover today if he is to face further action over his clash with Dundee United defender Mark Connolly during Sunday’s 2-1 win for Rangers. The Colombian striker was booked after planting his forearm into the Irishman’s face, an offence branded ‘crazy’ by Sky pundit Ally McCoist, but that could be upgraded to a red by SFA compliance officer Clare Whyte if she believes it to be ‘exceptional in nature’.