Ex-Rangers stars 'surprised' at decision to contest Kemar Roofe suspension

Rangers' Kemar Roofe (centre) is booked for the challenge on Murray Davidson that earned a two-match ban following an SFA review (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

The striker was booked for a challenge on St Johnstone midfielder Murray Davidson in the 1-0 win at Ibrox during the week but was cited after an SFA panel reviewed the footage and opted to take retrospective action.

Steven Gerrard confirmed Rangers will appeal the suspension with the hearing set for Tuesday, a move which surprised both Neil McCann and Billy Dodds.

Speaking on BBC Sportsound, Dodds said: “I'm a wee bit surprised they're appealing it. I thought at the time it was a red and looking at it again I've not changed my mind.”

McCann agreed, adding: “I think he's got it horribly wrong where he's unfortunately put his studs right down Murray Davidson above the ankle.

"When I saw it the second time I thought, ‘oft that's a bad one’. I still don't think there was any intent to do Murray Davidson but it doesn't look that clever and I think that's the opinion the panel will take. The panel will look at that and I don't think they will take into consideration that there was no intent there.

"They will look at it and say it was a dangerous challenge. He didn’t play the ball or attempt to look as if he was playing the ball. I don't think he did try to play the ball. He tried to put his foot across the ball, body the man and protect it, but he got it right on top of Murray Davidson.”

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