Rangers charged by SFA over behaviour of staff and players

Rangers have been charged by the Scottish FA over the conduct of their staff and players during games against Hibs and Celtic, with the Edinburgh club also being cited for their behaviour.

The Ibrox club has received Notices of Complaint relating to the two matches in December with Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent, as well as two members of the backroom team, at the centre of the alleged misconduct.

The first charges come from Rangers 3-0 win at Easter Road on December 20. Kent, Joe Aribo and Jermain Defoe scored the goals that gave Steven Gerrard’s side the three points but the match was marked by a touchline confrontation between the staff of both sides. Hibs assistant John Potter was sent to the stand, as was Rangers coach Tom Culshaw.

Both teams have been charged under rule 204, which states that “All clubs and recognised football bodies shall procure that its officials, team staff, employees and players conduct themselves in an orderly fashion at all times during and/or after a match”. Hibs and Rangers face a fine if the charge is proven to an independent panel.

Potter and Culshaw have both been charged with misconduct under rule 203 and could face suspension.

Rangers are also in the dock over behaviour during their 2-1 victory over Celtic at Celtic Park on December 29. The club has again been accused of breaking rule 204 and the charge is understood to centre on the conduct of Kent, Morelos and coach Michael Beale.

Beale was dismissed from the touchline by referee Kevin Clancy during the final minutes of the game, after Morelos was sent off for picking up a second yellow card. Morelos was also cautioned again after the game for gesturing to Celtic fans as he headed off the pitch.

Kent scored Rangers’ opening goal in the game but drew attention for his celebration, where he used a ‘gun salute’ gesture, which he later said was a tribute to rap act Smif and Wessun.

The rule in full reads: “All clubs and recognised football bodies shall procure that its officials, team staff, employees and players conduct themselves in an orderly fashion at all times during and/or after a match. In particular, clubs and recognised football bodies are responsible for ensuring that its officials, team staff, employees and players refrain from any one or a combination of the following: (a) becoming involved in a confrontation (b) conduct that is likely to lead to or to exacerbate or prolong a hostile or argumentative situation with players and/or team staff from the opposing team and/or match officials (c) conduct that may otherwise incite disorder”.

Beale has also been cited for misconduct after being dismissed and could face a touchline ban.