Ross County ask for time to investigate Michael Gardyne over alleged homophobic abuse towards Rangers defender

Ross County chief executive Steven Ferguson has asked that his club is given time to "get to the bottom" of the homophobic abuse allegations levelled at midfielder Michael Gardyne.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard speaks with Michael Gardyne at full time after the Scottish Premiership match between Ross County and Rangers at the Global Energy Stadium on December 06, 2020, in Dingwall, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

According to reports, the Scottish Football Association is set to launch disciplinary action against the 34-year-old following an incident during Sunday's 4-0 defeat to Rangers.

Ibrox defender Connor Goldson accused his County opponent of uttering an unacceptable remark during a flash-point just before half-time - a claim the players' agent and manager have already strongly denied.

Referee John Beaton choose only to book Gardyne for using 'foul and abusive language' at the time of the incident.

It is believed the official acted after hearing the veteran use the phrase "f*****g f***y" but did not hear anything which would have merited stronger action.

After the game, Gers boss Steven Gerrard said: "What my players are saying they heard, it shouldn't be heard on a football pitch."

County chief Ferguson said his club have yet to be told officially by Hampden bosses that Gardyne will face a notice of complaint.

In the meantime, though, the Dingwall outfit will carry out their own investigation.

Ferguson said: "We've woke up to the stuff in the papers today. As far as the football club is concerned we are aware of the situation and we're conducting our own investigation to get to the bottom of what was allegedly said or allegedly done.

"If you guys in the media could just respect us and give us a wee bit of time and make sure we can get to the bottom of it and deal with it in the correct manner, then we'd be grateful.

"It's only 48 hours on from the alleged incident so we do need time to do this properly."

Asked if the SFA had delivered its disciplinary charge yet, the former first-team co-boss replied: "There's nothing clear, so that's why I'm just asking for some time to get to the bottom of it.

"We really don't want to say anything that one, jeopardises anybody or, two, is the wrong thing. Until we get any concrete evidence then we can't make any sort of judgement.

"We will be in touch as soon as we have anything factual or concrete or anything that we feel is appropriate to say."

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