Rangers set to appeal Whittaker ban

15 August 2011 12:00

Rangers have confirmed they are likely to appeal against a three-match European ban handed to Steven Whittaker.

Whittaker was hit with the sanction following his red card in the club's Champions League qualifier against Malmo in Sweden. The full-back was sent off inside 20 minutes of the 1-1 draw, which put Rangers out 2-1 on aggregate, after throwing the ball at Malmo player Jimmy Durmaz.

Whittaker is set to miss both legs of the Europa League play-off against Maribor, the first of which is on Thursday in Slovenia, and the first game in the group stages if Rangers qualify.

An article on the club's official website revealed Rangers were "stunned" by the severity of the suspension.

The statement added: "Rangers have until midnight tonight to appeal the sanction and it is likely that an appeal will be submitted."

Source: PA