Rangers fine apologetic Lafferty as Mulgrew and Bougherra await fate

RANGERS have dealt swiftly with Kyle Lafferty's play-acting against Aberdeen on Saturday by fining the player. The Northern Ireland international was also obliged to apologise in a statement carried on the official Rangers website, and could face further sanction from the Scottish Football Association.

During the course of this apology he admits he has let down the club, the fans, the match officials and also Aberdeen defender Charlie Mulgrew, who was unjustly shown a red card by referee Stuart Dougal after Lafferty's theatrics in the first-half. Rangers went on to win 2-1, although the controversy did not end with Lafferty. Madjid Bougherra was also sent off for a late challenge on Aberdeen goalkeeper Jamie Langfield on the advice of the far-side assistant referee, Graham Chambers.

Both these incidents will be reviewed again by Dougal, who has also informed the SFA of his decision to retire with immediate effect. The referee had originally planned to bow out this weekend but sent an email to Drew Herbertson, the head of referee administration, on Sunday asking not to be considered due to "personal circumstances".

Due to a wrist injury sustained in September Dougal has only officiated at five SPL matches in his final season as a referee. His past two outings have been blighted by controversy. He was accused of arrogance by Dundee United manager Craig Levein after last week's match against Celtic. Then on Saturday, Dougal was duped by Lafferty, who was reprimanded by manager Walter Smith after the final whistle.

Smith took firmer action yesterday. As well as being fined by the club, Lafferty was made to apologise in public. "It was something I should not have done and I deeply regret what happened," he said. "I will make a personal apology to Charlie Mulgrew because he should not have been sent off. I also want to apologise to the referee and his assistants. It is difficult enough for officials without me behaving the way I did.

"I also accept that I have let down the club and the supporters. There are standards at Rangers that need to be upheld and I have fallen way below these standards."

Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist believes Lafferty will be the better for having learned a humiliating lesson. "We spoke to Kyle at great length," he told Rangers World. "It is obviously something that he deeply regrets. It was a foolish thing to do."

Lafferty will be available for this weekend's title showdown against Dundee United. Should Dougal decide he has feigned injury the review panel will look to see whether the player has a case to answer, before it is referred to the full disciplinary committee. Lafferty could face an "improper conduct" charge, though any suspension will take effect next season.

Of more immediate concern is the fate of both Bougherra and Mulgrew. Rangers and Aberdeen are desperate for the players to be available for their respective vital fixtures. Aberdeen face Hibernian in a game they must win to be in with a chance of qualifying for the Europa Cup.

Rangers have already lodged an appeal against Bougherra's red card, while Aberdeen are set to submit their appeal today.

Although Chambers alerted Dougal to Bougherra's challenge on Langfield, the referee will have the final say on whether the red card should be rescinded. A decision is expected today.