Rangers suspend Sandaza over hoax call admissions

RANGERS striker Francisco Sandaza has been suspended by Rangers pending an investigation into an alleged hoax telephone conversation in which the player said he joined Rangers purely for financial reasons.

In a 23-minute phonecall which has appeared online, a Glasgow taxi driver posing as a Los Angeles-based agent lured the Gers player into revealing details of his £4,500 a week wages, and that he is already looking at a move elsewhere.

Rangers said in a statement: “The club, Francisco and his agent have had discussions and manager Ally McCoist also spoke with the player, who did not take part in today’s training session.

“Francisco will not return to the club while the investigation is underway.

“Rangers regard this is an extremely serious issue but there will be no further comment until the inquiry, which could take a week, has been completed.”

McCoist, speaking ahead of the Third Division clash against Stirling Albion at Ibrox tomorrow, where they will clinch the title with a victory if nearest challengers Queen’s Park fail to win at Annan, said: “Fran has been suspended by the club on full wages pending an internal inquiry.

“We are very hopeful that the inquiry won’t last any more than a week but he has been suspended and won’t be coming to Ibrox or Murray Park pending the investigation.

“We will be issuing a statement after the investigation, we will have more to say then.

“I can’t say anything that would be to the detriment of the investigation.

“It is the last thing we need at this moment in time, we have seven players out tomorrow.”

Asked if Sandaza could be sacked, McCoist replied: “I have no idea. We will have to wait to see what the investigation unfolds.”