Former Rangers star and current media pundit Barry Ferguson has backed Allan McGregor after his ban, despite the challenge from the goalkeeper being on his nephew, as reported by The Scottish Sun.
McGregor failed in an appeal to have his two match suspension overturned yesterday, sparking a new war between the club and the Scottish FA.
He was judged to have unfairly and dangerously challenged Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson by the compliance officer after last week’s match at Pittodrie.
However, former teammate and uncle of the Dons star Barry Ferguson believes the ban was harsh.
As quoted by The Scottish Sun, the Rangers icon said:
I bumped into Allan on Sunday and I asked him. We were talking about and, I’ll be honest with you, I looked in his eyes and asked, ‘Did you mean it?’
And his words were, ‘Look Baz, I’m coming out to protect myself’. I honestly believe that. Previous goalkeepers I’ve worked with would always come out and try and protect themselves. Was it high? Of course it was high. Could it have been worse than what it was? It could have been.
But thankfully Lewis never got hurt. It’s a booking for me and it’s outside the box. I’m sure Rangers will be disappointed with him getting the two games.
Ferguson’s assessment of the situation is absolutely spot on and having spoken to the goalkeeper himself, is even better placed than most to judge what action should have been taken for the tackle.
Due to the incompetent nature of the retrospective process at Hampden, we are now without one of our most important performers this season for the next two matches, added to a suspension for Alfredo Morelos.
It’s hugely disappointing and hopefully the club can try and help bring change over the next few months heading into next season.