Simonsen‘ has suffered enough’

STEVE SIMONSEN’S reputation is “in danger of bei n g further damaged” by the Scottish Football Association’s decision to seek further punishment for the Rangers keeper’s betting offences, according to his union.

The 35-year-old served a one-game ban last month after admitting breaking the SFA’s zero tolerance rules by betting on a total of 50 games in a year.

Simonsen had not bet on any games relating to his club’s competitions and was given a onematch ban with another suspended when an SFA-convened judicial panel convened on February 12.

The SFA’s compliance officer Tony McGlennan, however, challenged that decision last week and “an appellate tribunal will convene in due course to consider the appeal.”

A statement released by PFA Scotland expressed surprise and disappointment at the move and claimed the player has “suffered enough already”.

A spokesperson said: “P FA Scotland is surprised and disappointed at the decision of the SFA’s compliance officer to appeal the sanction against Steve Simonsen.

“We felt it would be important to clarify a numb er of points regarding the case as Mr Simonsen’s reputation is in danger of being further damaged, along with his future employment prospects.

“Unfortunately, we are unable to explain the detail behind the charges or the judicial panel’s reasoning in coming to its decision.

“Mr Simonsen requested that the SFA publish the full written reasons of the panel in the interests of transparency.

“Regrettably they have, thus far, declined to do so.

“As a consequence of the initial two game suspension (one match served, one match suspended), Mr Simonsen has lost his place in the Rangers first team, which may well have a material impact on his ability to gain a further contract with Rangers or another club.

“In our opinion, he has suffered enough already.”

Picture: SNS. PFA Scotland are disappointed over moves against Steve Simonsen.