The Daily Record has reported that Rangers first-team coach, Michael Beale, has been handed a 5-match touchline ban following his “spat” with Celtic coach John Kennedy after the 2-1 Parkhead victory in December.
Beale has been an integral part of Steven’Gerrard’s coaching team since joining the club in 2018 from Liverpool’s academy staff, he is credited with the Gers’ system that is used when they have a player sent-off, something they’ve had a bit of experience with over the last couple of seasons.
Beale’s ban will be served immediately with two of the games being suspended depending on his behaviour over the rest of the season.
Should Rangers appeal Michael Beale's 5 match ban?
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Rangers fans took to Twitter backing the coach and were enraged at such a severe ban being issued for an incident that didn’t even reach the handbags level hoping that the Light Blues’ board appeal to ensure the gaffer’s right-hand-man is by his side as soon as possible.
Beale had words with both Kennedy and Clancy. I’m guessing, but Beale must have said to Clancy exactly what everybody else was thinking about his abject performance – that he was a cheat. In the SFA’s eyes he deserves ban. In our eyes he should be lauded for calling it out.
— Petrocelli (@caltat) February 7, 2020
ok to deliberately stand on opponents though. this is getting way out hand and fast. when are the club going to take a stand against the clearly corrupt sfa?
— the_brooner🇬🇧 (@broony871) February 7, 2020
It’s outrageous – shame our board as so weak when it comes to defending the club and it’s people. Nothing to warrant that ban. Griffith just stamped on a fellow pro a week ago and go sympathy and nothing else.
— Moonk Calder (@minicoo_master) February 6, 2020
Two different dugout clashes here. One involves a coach arguing with the opposition dugout. The other involves a manager entering the pitch and having to be physically restrained by his own players.
Guess which one the SFA thought merited the most severe punishment? pic.twitter.com/qnDEOUrTev
— Derek Miller (@DerekMillerTime) February 6, 2020
5 matches for an argument that lasted a few seconds? What a joke
— Govanite (@pauarmst) February 6, 2020
And in reference to Leigh Griffiths “stamp” that went unpunished followed by Lewis Stevenson’s WWE move on Alfredo Morelos that – just – got a free-kick:
In short, Michael Beale should have thrown Kennedy to the ground and stamped on him and he would have got off with it all.
— Hagi RSC (@LoneRanger1993) February 6, 2020