Rangers Coach Receives Six-Game Ban for Headbutting Celtic Manager
In a shocking turn of events, Rangers coach Craig McPherson has been handed a six-game ban by the Scottish Football Association for headbutting Celtic manager Fran Alonso at the end of last month’s Old Firm derby in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.
The ugly scenes transpired just moments after Caitlin Hayes netted a stoppage time equaliser for Celtic to salvage a 1-1 draw at Broadwood Stadium, ensuring the Glasgow rivals remained second and third in the table respectively.
Footage captured by Sky Sports, who were televising the first live women’s Old Firm match, showed McPherson appearing to deliberately aim a headbutt at the back of Alonso’s head as the coaches shook hands after the full-time whistle.
The SFA launched an immediate investigation into the incident and announced McPherson’s punishment following a disciplinary hearing on Thursday. The six-game ban means the Rangers assistant will miss all but two of his side’s remaining fixtures this campaign.
In a statement released shortly after the shocking events, a contrite McPherson offered a “full and unreserved apology” for his actions which he conceded had severely let himself, Rangers and the club down.
Craig McPherson Receives Six-Game Ban for Headbutting Celtic Manager
The veteran coach, who has enjoyed a long career in the game, admitted he had never done anything like this before and knew he had fallen way below the high standards he sets for himself.
Craig McPherson also apologised to the Rangers supporters and the women’s game in Scotland which he said he had come to care passionately about. Crucially, the coach revealed he had also spoken at length with Alonso who had accepted his apology in full.
McPherson said he would reiterate his apology at the SFA hearing and accept whatever punishment was deemed appropriate.
The ugly confrontation marred what had been an exciting occasion for women’s football in Scotland with the first live television broadcast of an Old Firm match.
The SFA will hope McPherson’s ban serves as a warning that such behaviour will not be tolerated as the game seeks to promote a more professional image.
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