Rangers boss Craig McPherson has issued a ‘full and unreserved apology’ for headbutting Celtic boss Fran Alonso after the dramatic draw with the Old Firm side, and says he ‘will fully accept’ any punishment meted out.
Rangers Women’s Craig McPherson has apologized unreservedly for punching Celtic’s Fran Alonso after a thrilling Old Firm draw on Monday.
Celtic’s Caitlin Hayes scored the equalizer in the 99th minute to draw 1-1 in the televised encounter, and raised tensions between the two sides. After the final whistle, McPherson approached Alonso, before headbutting him from behind.
After the game, Rangers confirmed that they would investigate the incident. Police Scotland and the Scottish Confederation both confirmed they were looking into the matter.
The club have now released a statement from the 52-year-old manager, stating that he will accept any punishment meted out for his actions after the Scottish Women’s Premier League match.
In the statement, McPherson said, “I would like to offer a full and unreserved apology for my actions.
Rangers boss Craig MacPherson has apologized for his rant at Celtic boss Fran Alonso.
McPherson said he let himself and Rangers down “badly” during the infamous incident
I know I left myself, our team and the club hard.
“I hold myself to the highest standards and I have never done anything like this in my long coaching career, and I know I have not been able to live up to my actions.”
McPherson also revealed that he had spoken to Alonso personally to apologize for the incident, and that it had been accepted by the Celtic manager.
The coach also said he was speaking to the Rangers board, staff and players to discuss the matter, having failed to meet their ‘incredibly high standards’.
McPherson said he had spoken to Alonso personally, and the Celtic manager accepted his apology
He added, “I simply want to apologize today and convey my deep regret and explain how out of character this moment was for me.”
McPherson faces a Scottish Football Association hearing on April 13.
A last-gasp point leaves Celtic on Monday next in second place in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, trailing leaders Glasgow City by eight points.
Led by Malky Thompson, Rangers are third in the standings, a point ahead of Celtic.