Source: Team_Talk
Fans back bans for 'petulant' pair
The SFA received a number of phone calls and e-mails from supporters who were incensed by their behaviour during Wednesday's 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over Iceland.
The Rangers pair appeared to make V-signs to cameras as they sat on the bench, where they had been banished following their part in a Sunday-morning drinking session at Scotland's team hotel.
Tam Ferry, a spokesman for the East of Scotland Tartan Army, reported widespread support for the lifetime bans.
"I don't know who they were giving the V-signs to but they came across as petulant little kids," Ferry said.
"This is meant to be the Scotland captain, an ambassador for his country. He brought embarrassment to the team and the nation.
"It doesn't come across well, the world's press are seeing this. It's not the behaviour you expect, it's childish.
"I have spoken to quite a few guys and they are all in agreement that the way they behaved is really disrespectful to the national team."
Skipper Ferguson, 31, earned his 45th cap in Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Holland but Ferry questioned his commitment to Scotland.
"I had my doubts about Barry Ferguson," Ferry said. "He has had a reputation for calling off.
"In the Berti (Vogts) years he made himself unavailable more times than not.
"But certainly in the last couple of years we have seen him committed.
"Not in the last week though. They didn't even come out with an apology to the fans.
"You could maybe have forgiven them for the drinking but the way they behaved on the back of that just isn't right.
"Barry is a class player but you have got to be passionate and you have got to be up for playing for your country.
"Their whole demeanour was wrong. That doesn't show someone who is committed to Scotland.
"Sometimes you are better off without these players and their disruptive influence."
Ferry also praised the SFA for listening to the views of the fans after declaring the matter closed on Thursday.
"The SFA have got a good history of listening to the fans," he said.
"The Association of Tartan Army clubs meets them four times a year. The e-
mail lines are always open and they have been open and receptive recently."
Meamwhile David Edgar, spokesman for the Rangers Supporters Trust, says the pair have only themselves to blame.
Rangers deserve to be commended for the stance they took over this," Edgar said.
"It was very brave and they met the situation head on.
"They have set standards and shown that if anyone falls below these standards then there will be consequences.
"The SFA also had to take action although I do think that it is a little harsh.
"I believe that there should be the possibility of a return if there is an element of rehabilitation.
"But I am not condemning the SFA. The players' behaviour has been appalling,
"The players brought it on themselves and no-one is responsible apart from themselves.
"There is a concern about a drinking culture at the club and this is not helpful.
"Is it really that difficult for professional footballers who earn an unbelievable amount of money - more in a week than some people earn in a
year - to stay alcohol-free for nine months of the year?"
Edgar believes Ferguson, whose influence in the Ibrox dressing room led to former manager Paul Le Guen leaving the club in January 2007, may also have played his last game in Light Blue.
He said: "I believe it will be very difficult for him to come back.
"The Rangers fans gave him the benefit of the doubt before with Le Guen but I don't believe they are prepared to do that again.
"It's an old cliche but no man is bigger than the club and Barry Ferguson is not bigger than Rangers.
"Somewhere down the line he seems to have forgotten that.
"With the privilege of being Rangers captain comes responsibility and he needs to show class and dignity.
"Both players owe the Scotland players, the Scotland fans and the Rangers fans an apology.
"They not only represent Scotland on international duty, they represent Rangers
"I've no doubt that both players are full of regrets now but they have had a week to apologise and we have heard nothing."
