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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Pa Sport Staff

The moment Rangers coach headbutts Celtic rival and ‘calls him a little rat’

Sky Sports

Celtic head coach Fran Alonso said he was called a “little rat” as footage appeared to show him being headbutted by a member of the Rangers coaching staff following the two sides’ 1-1 draw in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.

Rangers appeared to be on the verge of securing a dramatic Old Firm Derby victory at Broadwood on Monday, until Caitlin Hayes’s 99th-minute equaliser ensured the rivals would share the points.

In footage captured by Sky Sports following the match, Rangers assistant manager Craig McPherson appears to aim a headbutt at the back of Alonso’s head as the two sides were shaking hands.

Speaking to Sky as the footage was shown to him, Alonso said: “I don’t know. You can see there, somebody pushed me from behind. I never talked to (McPherson) the whole game.

“It’s obviously disappointing to concede a goal in the last minute, I totally get it. But I don’t know. I was called a ‘little rat’, I don’t know why.”

When asked about the incident, Rangers head coach Malky Thomson told the broadcaster: “Without me seeing it at all I don’t know that I can comment on it.

“If that’s the case, then there will be an investigation and we’ll obviously look at it.”

The draw ensured Celtic and Rangers remain second and third respectively with Glasgow City eight points in front.

Rangers appeared to have successfully leapfrogged Celtic thanks to a 36th-minute goal from Brogan Hay, until Hayes’ stoppage-time strike kept Alonso’s side unbeaten against the defending champions this season.

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