Barry Ferguson has spoken out about the SFA’s handling of Sunday’s fiery Old Firm, as quoted by the Daily Record.
It’s fair to say he’s not impressed.
He admits that Alfredo Morelos got what he deserved with his red card and subsequent ban. He also agreed with the decision to retrospectively punish Ryan Kent and labelled Scott Brown’s goading celebrations as ‘not the smartest move.’
However, it was the general charges meted out to both clubs he took real umbrage with.
Things boiled over after the final whistle, with players from both sides clashing. Therefore, the governing body decided to hit both clubs with charges for failing to control their players [Sky Sports].
“Every now and then the people supposed to be running our game outdo themselves and even though we should all be used to it by now I still end up shaking my head in disbelief”, said Ferguson, as quoted by the Daily Record.
“That was certainly the case yesterday when the news came through that just about everyone who was at Parkhead for the Old Firm on Sunday will now be dragged up to Hampden’s sixth floor to have their handbags taken off them.
“That’s what we saw at the end of the derby – absolute handbags – and it’s hard to believe the compliance officer has now cited Celtic and Rangers with failing to keep their players under control because of it. Dearie me.”
Verdict
Ferguson certainly has a point here. While some Bears weren’t happy, it’s hard to argue with the punishments handed out to Morelos and Kent.
Both players were clearly in the wrong.
However, slapping both clubs with charges just draws unnecessary extra attention to a matter that should have already be closed.
Andy Halliday was sent off after the final whistle and Scott Brown cited for his excessive celebrations. Surely, that should have been that.
