On Thursday afternoon, details emerged of some unsavoury incidents from Rangers Colts’ Third Round Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup victory over Ballymena United.
The Scottish Sun reports that the Gers are set to launch an internal probe after allegations of spitting against Eros Grezda.
The Albanian international was also said to have gestured to the home fans and screamed in the face of an opposition player, rather than shaking his hand.
Dapo Mebude also allegedly had to be restrained by coach Peter Lovenkrands, as tensions boiled over in the second half.
Ballymena manager David Jeffrey confirmed after the game that there were “incidents not typical of an association with Rangers” [Scottish Sun].
This fallout leaves a stain on what was a brilliant win for the Colts over a side who are currently fourth in the NIFL Premiership.
However, it seems at least one player is deserving of praise for his conduct on the night.
Greg Docherty.
Rangers star Greg Docherty diffuses tense situation
The Scottish Sun report claims that the 23-year-old midfielder, the elder statesman of the Gers side if you discount Grezda, visited the home dressing room to apologise for the actions of some of his teammates. After doing so, he’s said to have received applause from opposition players.
That’s classy stuff.
He obviously felt a responsibility as a senior man and Jeffrey made it clear he appreciated the symbolic act.
The actions of Grezda in particular, are damaging for the image of the club, but the words of Docherty appear to have helped diffuse the situation.
An internal investigation may be on the cards, but as far as the opposition manager is concerned, the matter is now closed.
It took guts for Docherty to address what had gone on and he deserves credit for it. He may not be a part of Stevie G’s plans for now, but he certainly acted like a Gers player this week.