Rangers to fight SFA club charge as they react to Ryan Kent ban

Rangers star Ryan Kent copped a two-match ban – despite the SFA finding him innocent of hitting Scott Brown in the face or head.

The on-loan Liverpool winger failed in his appeal over his clash with the Celtic skipper in Sunday’s Old Firm showdown at Parkhead, with the disciplinary panel finding him guilty of violent conduct.

However, Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard has accepted a one-match ban for taking a verbal swipe at ref Bobby Madden in the immediate aftermath of his side’s 2-1 defeat and will watch Sunday’s game at Motherwell from the main stand.

The Old Firm have united to condemn SFA charges handed down by compliance officer Clare Whyte in the aftermath of unruly scenes at the end of the game.

Brown has been told he has a case to answer for allegedly goading the Rangers support as he celebrated the victory that took his side to within touching distance of eight-in-a-row.

Kent was found not to have struck Brown in the face or head (SNS Group)

Rangers defender Andy Halliday took offence at his rival’s celebrations and was handed his second yellow card, sparking a melee that also included confrontations involving Wes Foderingham, Scott Bain, Mikael Lustig and others.

Kent had earlier reacted to Brown after James Forrest netted the matchwinning goal, but the panel accepted claims from Rangers their player was innocent of hitting him in the face or head.

However, the tribunal still found him guilty of violent conduct and he will miss the trip to Motherwell, as well as the first match after the Premiership split.

A Rangers spokesman said: “We are extremely disappointed with the outcome.”

Lustig had his shirt ripped in the melee (SNS Group)

Celtic have vowed to “vigorously” contest the SFA charges levelled at them and Brown.

Brown has been formally rapped for “failing to act in the best interests of Scottish football” after celebrating in front of the Rangers fans.

The Parkhead club also face a fine for failing to control players and staff and Rangers have been hit with the same charge.

Steven Gerrard accepts ban after Rangers boss is charged for comments made to Bobby Madden 

A Celtic spokesperson said: “Celtic will defend these charges vigorously.”

A Rangers spokesperson added: “Rangers will defend these charges as robustly as possible.”

The clubs have until Wednesday April 10 to respond formally, with a hearing date set for Hampden on May 2.