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Rangers vs Celtic: Craig McPherson charged over alleged headbutt as police investigate

SWPL clash between Rangers and Celtic was overshadowed by angry scenes at end of the match at Broadwood Stadium; Police Scotland are investigating; the Scottish FA says Craig McPherson will face a hearing on April 13 after being deemed to have breached disciplinary rules

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Police are investigating after Rangers Women's coach Craig McPherson appeared to try to headbutt Celtic boss Fran Alonso

Rangers Women coach Craig McPherson has been charged by the Scottish FA over his alleged headbutt on Celtic Women boss Fran Alonso.

The incident, which is being investigated by police, took place after Monday's Old Firm match, live on Sky Sports, as McPherson approached Alonso on the pitch at Broadwood Stadium.

McPherson, whose actions are also being looked into by Rangers, will now face an SFA hearing on April 13 after being deemed to have breached disciplinary rules.

A Celtic spokesperson said of the incident: "Clearly this is a hugely concerning incident, falling well below any acceptable standard.

"We understand the matter is now being investigated and it will be up to all relevant authorities to take any appropriate action."

Police Scotland's spokesperson said: "We have received a report regarding an incident at Broadwood Stadium on the evening of Monday, March 27, 2023. Enquiries to establish any criminality are at an early stage."

The SWPL, meanwhile, says it is aware of an incident following the match and will not issue any further comment until police and SFA investigations are concluded.

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'I was called a little rat'

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Highlights of Rangers against Celtic from the Scottish Women's Premier League

Rangers looked set to secure a vital victory at Broadwood until Caitlin Hayes' 99th-minute equaliser ensured the rivals would share the points.

Alonso, who has previously worked under Ronald Koeman and Mauricio Pochettino at Everton and Southampton respectively, told Sky Sports he was called a "little rat" as the footage was shown to him after the match.

The 46-year-old Spaniard said: "I don't know. You can see there, somebody pushed me from behind. I never talked to [McPherson] the whole game.

"It's obviously disappointing to concede a goal in the last minute, I totally get it. But I don't know.

"I was called a 'little rat', I don't know why."

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Rangers forward Brogan Hay scored after miscommunication between Celtic pair Kelly Clark and Pamela Tajonar

When asked about the incident after the match, Rangers head coach Malky Thomson told Sky Sports: "Without me seeing it at all, I don't know that I can comment on it.

"If that's the case, then there will be an investigation and we'll obviously look at it."

Former Morton and Falkirk midfielder McPherson, 52, had spells as assistant manager at Morton and Dumbarton before joining up with Thompson in the summer of 2021.

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Caitlin Hayes scored in the 99th minute with the last kick of the game to equalise against Rangers in the SWPL

The 1-1 draw - in the first SWPL league game televised live by Sky Sports - ensured Celtic and Rangers remained second and third, respectively.

Glasgow City are top of the table, eight points clear of Alonso's side, with nine matches to play this season.

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