Delayed Rangers appeal against 2019 Hibs and Celtic match conduct fines dismissed

Rangers have been fined £10,000 after two appeals against SFA disciplinary charges were thrown out by an appellate tribunal.

Rangers' fines for events last season have been upheld (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

Hampden chiefs charged the Ibrox club on two breaches of rule 204 which concerns team staff, players and club employees failing to conduct themselves in an orderly manner during flashpoints in wins over Hibs and Celtic last December.

A touchline bust-up at Easter Road saw technical coach Tom Culshaw sent to the stand in angry scenes prompted by Ryan Porteous’ red card for a lunging late challenge that left Borna Barisic requiring lengthy treatment on December 20, 2019.

Nine days later Rangers won a stormy Old Firm clash at Celtic Park 2-1 with Ryan Kent scoring the opener. After Niko Katic headed the winner Alfredo Morelos received a late red card and caused controversy with a gesture to the crowd as he left the pitch. Coach Michael Beale was also sent to the stand.

Borna Barisic is fouled by Ryan Porteous who is red carded. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

Stewart Robertson, Rangers’ managing director, insisted the club would appeal both fines back in February – but a combination of the appeal and COVID-19 shutdown of the game caused a 10-month delay before the tribunal finally re-visited each case last month – and it threw out Rangers’ challenge to the fines.

The sanctions and delayed hearing mean Rangers must pay £3000 for the Hibs charge – ‘proved under deletion’ according to the Scottish FA. A further fine of £2000 was suspended until the end of 2019/20.

The Celtic match charge brought a £10,000 fine, with £7000 due immediately but £3000 was suspended and won’t be applicable.

The SFA finding read: “Appeal dismissed. The Appellate Tribunal affirms the decision of the Disciplinary Tribunal.”

Rangers' Alfredo Morelos gestures to the supporters as he is sent off during the Ladbrokes Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on December 29, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

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