Ross County forward Michael Gardyne was left "stunned" by allegations he used a homophobic slur against Rangers stars Connor Goldson and Alfredo Morelos, according to his agent.
The 34-year-old became the centre of a spat in Sunday's Premiership clash at the Global Energy Stadium after the Ibrox captain claimed he aimed homophobic abuse towards the Colombian forward and the Gers captain during their 4-0 defeat.
Gardyne denies the allegations, which were put forward by Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, but the Scottish Football Association’s compliance officer and PFA Scotland have launched their own investigation.
However, Gardyne's agent Tom Callaghan branded those claims 'ludicrous,' revealing the player had been targeted by threats over the weekend.
He said: "The only term that Michael used was f****.
"He said it to Morelos after he landed his studs into the side of him, after the initial challenge.
"He repeated the phrase again to Connor Goldson.
“There was absolutely nothing of a homophobic or racial nature.
“We will back and defend Michael all the way to clear his name.”
Callaghan added that Gerrard did not mention the allegation when he spoke to Gardyne on the pitch after the final whistle, revealing the Ibrox boss praised his performance.
Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell said an internal investigation process was underway, however chief executive Steven Ferguson said more time was needed to probe the incident.
Callaghan told the Daily Record: "Michael told me that Steven went up to him and said something along the lines of ‘Well played you were one of the few players trying to get on the ball and trying to make things happen.
"He told him ‘Age is only a number, keep playing as long as you can.
"I have spoken to Michael at length and some of the allegations that have been made are absolutely ludicrous."
Ferguson added: "At the moment, there's nothing clear and we really don't want to say anything that, one jeopardises anyone, and two, is the wrong thing.
"Until we get any concrete evidence then we can't make any sort of judgement.
"As far as the football club's concerned, we are aware of the situation and we're conducting our own investigation to get to the bottom of what was allegedly said, or allegedly done."
