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

Rangers women's coach McPherson charged by SFA over Celtic 'headbutt incident'

Rangers women's coach Craig McPherson has been charged by the Scottish FA over the alleged headbutt on Celtic boss Fran Alonso.

The Ibrox employee has been cited by the Scottish FA for a disciplinary hearing on April 13 after the explosive scenes following a 1-1 draw on Monday evening.

Sky Sports cameras appeared to capture the alleged incident between McPherson and Alonso which sparked fury between players and coaching staff at full-time.

Police Scotland launched an investigation into the matter on Tuesday with early enquiries underway.

While Celtic released a statement on the "hugely concerning" alleged incident.

Now, a Scottish FA disciplinary update has been released with McPherson charged with allegedly breaching rule 77.

It reads: "A recognised football body, club, official, Team Official, other member of Team Staff, player, match official or other person under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA shall, at all times, act in the best interests of Association Football.

"Furthermore such person or body shall not act in any manner which is improper or use any one, or a combination of, violent Conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour."

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."

A Celtic spokesperson said: "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.”

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.”

Rangers boss Malky Thomson had vowed an investigation into the incident would 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."

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