Rangers manager Steven Gerrard yesterday hit back at the Scottish FA in a thinly veiled challenge, over the club’s appeal of the ban to five of its players.
Gerrard made a very relevant, valid defence of Nathan Patterson in particular, given that interests of the Scottish national team could be damaged if the intial four game ban is enforced, now.
Regardless, the continued development of the talented young player is paramount here.
The Ibrox boss revealed that the appeal date is soon to be decided:
“It is something we are still discussing at the moment. We are in talks with the SFA over a date.”
“The reason for the appeal is the obvious reason. We think it’s harsh in terms of what went on on the night.”
“I think everyone assumes because of what happened with Jordan Jones and George Edmundson that everything is the same, which isn’t the case.”
🎥 REACTION: Steven Gerrard spoke to @RangersTV after tonight's @ScottishCup victory against Cove Rangers. pic.twitter.com/Ql9EgSrXIg
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 4, 2021
“We think it’s a little bit out of sync in terms of what went on.”
“We don’t think everything has been taken into consideration when you are talking about the boys in terms of age and how damaging it could be for them in their careers moving forward now.”
“You are talking about one of the brightest prospects ever in terms of right back. This kid is going to go and play for Scotland and all of a sudden the SFA want to ban him for that long.”
“I don’t see it. I don’t get it. But we’ll see what happens moving forward.”
“I’m not saying that at all (that Patterson should be in contention for the Euros). That’s Steve Clarke’s decision. I know Steve rates him as we’ve had a discussion about Nathan.”
This is a productive and proactive stance to take.
It shows that Rangers are thinking in the best interests of their young player – and a great candidate for Steve Clarke’s Scotland side, already.
Clearly, there was more to this incident than meets the eye.
If the SFA decide to opt for instransigence, it could come back to bite them.
We could yet be pleasantly surprised however if they listen to the grounds of Rangers appeal – now wouldn’t that be nice to acknowledge something positive in the interests of football from the governing body.
