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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Police launch investigation into Rangers vs Celtic women 'headbutt incident'

Police Scotland have launched an investigation into the alleged headbutt on Celtic women's boss Fran Alonso by a Rangers coach.

Sky Sports footage appeared to capture the incident with Craig McPherson alleged to have headbutted the Celtic manager.

The alleged incident sparked a heated exchange between players and coaching staff on the pitch at Broadwood Stadium.

Now, the police force have confirmed enquiries are underway to establish any criminality.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We have received a report regarding an incident at Broadwood Stadium on the evening of Monday, 27 March.

"Enquiries to establish any criminality are at an early stage.”

A Celtic statement read: "Clearly this is a hugely concerning incident, falling well below any acceptable standard.

“We understand the matter is now being investigated and it will be up to all relevant authorities to take any appropriate action.”

It's understood the Scottish FA compliance officer is set to investigate the matter upon submission of the referee's report. 

However, the alleged issue has not been fast-tracked so a decision could be delayed despite the compliance officer being aware of the matter.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Alonso commented: "I don't know, you can see there somebody pushed me from behind.

"I do not know, I never talked to him the whole game.

"Obviously it is disappointing to concede a goal in the last minute, I totally get it but I don't know. 

"I was called little rat."

Rangers boss Malky Thomson vowed an investigation into the incident will be carried out should the allegations be proven correct.

He said: "Without me seeing it at all I don't think I would comment on it.

"If that is the case there will be an investigation into it and we will look at it."

Caitlin Hayes had equalised for Celtic in the 99th-minute after Brogan Hay's first-half opener for Rangers.

Scotland captain Rachel Corsie - who was on punditry duty for the match - stated: "It's a bad incident. You can see he looks animated so it suggests there is maybe something prior to that but either way - that can't be happening in football at all.

"It's disappointing because as Malky says, it leaves a sour taste on what has been otherwise a great spectacle and great occasion."

At The Herald and Times we know the importance of reaching you where it's convenient, which is why we've engaged top sportswriter James Morgan to bring you an irreverent daily update on what's happening in the world of sport. Be it football, golf, rugby, cricket or something more exotic, James will tread where the best stories take him. To get this exclusive bespoke piece sent directly to your email inbox for free every day at 5pm, simply take a few seconds to type in your email here. It's that simple!

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