Source: Team_Talk
Lafferty fined after Ibrox theatrics
The Northern Ireland international has expressed "deep regret" over his behaviour, which was criticised by manager Walter Smith.
Aberdeen will launch an appeal against the dismissal, while Rangers have confirmed they have lodged a challenge against Madjid Bougherra's red card in the same game.
Lafferty fell down dramatically after going head to head with former Celtic full-back Mulgrew.
The 21-year-old said in a statement on the club's official website: "I want to apologise for my actions in Saturday's match with Aberdeen.
"It was something I should not have done and I deeply regret what happened.
"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 to handle important SPL matches without me making it more difficult by behaving the way I did.
"I also totally accept that I have let down the club and the supporters.
"There are standards at Rangers Football Club that need to be upheld and I have fallen way below these standards.
"What I did was wrong and I would like to say sorry to the supporters because they should expect better from a Rangers player.
"Their backing on Saturday was fantastic - as it has been all season - and for me to behave the way I did was completely wrong."
Lafferty may still face punishment from the Scottish Football Association, but the former Burnley player will be free to play in the final game of the season.
An Aberdeen spokesman confirmed the club would submit their appeal against Mulgrew's dismissal on Monday.
Referee Stuart Dougal will be asked to review the incident as well as Bougherra's challenge on Dons goalkeeper Jamie Langfield.
Rangers confirmed on their official website that they have lodged an appeal against the Algeria defender's red card.
On both occasions Dougal showed the red cards on the advice of his assistant, Graham Chambers.
Dougal will be given the opportunity to refer both cases to an SFA review panel, which will meet before the end of the week.
Both sides are hoping to have their players available for their crucial final SPL games on Sunday.
If Rangers are unsuccessful in their appeal, Bougherra will miss out on the title decider at Tannadice, where Rangers must beat Dundee United to guarantee championship glory.
Mulgrew could also miss out on a vital game as Aberdeen chase victory against Hibernian that would take them into the Europa League, if United lose.
Bougherra was shown a straight red card after sliding in and catching Aberdeen goalkeeper Jamie Langfield in the face with his boot, but manager Walter Smith felt it was an honest challenge.
While Rangers' appeal is in the balance, Dougal has reportedly admitted he was conned by Lafferty.
The referee said in the Herald: "Following the game and upon returning home I have reviewed the Mulgrew and Lafferty incidents and my views on these have been emailed to the SFA prior to asking for them.
"While the contents must remain private and the SFA must be given time to consider, it is fair to say I - like most people at the game - was convinced Kyle Lafferty had been the victim of violent conduct but I now see this is not the case."
Either or both cases will be referred to a review panel if Dougal confirms to the SFA that he believes an injustice has been done.
A panel was already due to meet this week, probably on Thursday or Friday, to discuss separate incidents involving Celtic players Glenn Loovens and Scott McDonald.
Loovens was reported for a clash that left Maurice Edu needing treatment during the Old Firm derby while McDonald was referred by Dougal after the referee viewed footage of a challenge on Dundee United defender Lee Wilkie.
The panel have the authority to refer both players - and possibly Lafferty - to the SFA's disciplinary committee, which could hand the players a suspension that would take effect next season.
Lafferty would face an "improper conduct" charge if the panel members decide he has a case to answer.
