Bain slams SFA over McGregor ban

18 October 2010 15:31

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain has hit out at the Scottish Football Association for their handling of Allan McGregor's retrospective ban.

The goalkeeper was suspended for Saturday's 4-1 win over Motherwell for allegedly aiming a kick at Aberdeen's Chris Maguire, footage of which was later viewed by the SFA's review panel. The hearing took place while McGregor was on international duty with Scotland.

"Allan McGregor receiving a retrospective ban in the fashion that he did is something that has angered the club greatly," said Bain

"For whatever reason, it took 11 days for us to be informed officially. Firstly, that's not good enough. Secondly, the conclusion of the whole thing was in the form of a letter.

"That angered us greatly because that is a complete move from previous procedure, when we were always told by telephone by the SFA. On that day, I was told we would only know by recorded delivery letter.

"I fired off a strongly-worded letter before the match to the SFA. I've since had a reply and I'm due to meet the chief executive later this week.

"As a football club, we weren't going to say anything publicly about our actions because we have no intention whatsoever of being accused of undermining Scotland and their performance with two matches imminent.

"But we are angry about it, the procedures are wrong and hopefully the new chief executive will address those in the coming week."

Meanwhile, Bain is hopeful that Kenny Miller will sign a new deal with Rangers despite already rejecting two offers from the club. The striker, who has netted 11 goals so far this season, is out of contract at the end of the current campaign.

"Kenny Miller is a player who we want to stay at the football club first and foremost," said Bain. "His representatives had some discussions with me some weeks ago, I made them an offer and they didn't like the offer I made. I made them a second offer and they didn't like that one either. I'm going through a process of discussion with them."

Source: PA