Rangers have received backing from an unlikely source after they railed against consistency in the SFA disciplinary process – Celtic manager Neil Lennon.
The Parkhead boss was speaking this week with the disciplinary process top of the agenda following retrospective bans handed out to Rangers strikers Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe.
Rangers would then speak out against “real confusion” in the system regarding which incidents are cited and which are not with the Ibrox club’s hands generally tied over the situation.
“We note the outcome of today’s hearing,” starts the Rangers statement.
“Rangers FC recently called for consistency in the Scottish FA’s disciplinary process.
“There seems to be real confusion within the game regarding which incidents are cited and those that are not. This confusion solidifies our viewpoint regarding the current system.”
Whilst Celtic forward Albian Ajeti escaped SFA punishment for a dive in Celtic’s 4-0 win over Kilmarnock, Lennon still claimed our Old Firm rivals are unfairly treated by the powers that be.
That’s despite Rangers undoubtedly bearing the brunt of retrospective action in recent seasons as a spate of incidents – many involving Celtic – go unchecked.
“I think the point Rangers are trying to make is it has to be consistent for all clubs, not just the big two,” said Lennon [Scottish Sun].
“I think we are really high-profile, the two clubs, and our lot seem to get scrutinised a lot more than other teams. It is trial by TV.
“You get three referees to look at incidents and then say, ‘Yeah, this needs to be looked at, or that needs to be looked at’.
“People will say we get away with a lot, others will say we get punished a lot.
“But I was surprised Ajeti was charged. I think he was surprised too.
“It sort of set a different precedent for an issue like that.
“If the SFA are going to be consistent then they are going to have to look at a lot of other incidents over the season, or as we go along in the games.”
As a result of the SFA bans Rangers will now be without both Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe for the visit of struggling Kilmarnock this weekend.
But don’t let Killie’s six-game winless run fool you – reinvigorated by the appointment of Tommy Wright this promises to be a challenging match.
