Rangers Football Club has been rocked by the news that captain James Tavernier faces disciplinary action from the Scottish Football Association following a controversial incident during their weekend clash with Aberdeen.
The Incident That Sparked Controversy
During Rangers' hard-fought 2-1 victory at Pittodrie on Saturday, match officials apparently missed an alleged elbow from Tavernier on Dons defender Jack MacKenzie. The incident occurred in the 33rd minute of the heated Premiership encounter, with neither referee David Dickinson nor his VAR team taking action at the time.
However, the SFA's compliance officer has now intervened, citing the incident as a potential case of "failure to behave in the utmost good faith to an opponent" and an act of "improper conduct."
Rangers' Furious Response
Ibrox officials are understood to be furious about the timing and nature of the charge. The club has until Wednesday to respond to the notice of complaint, but sources close to the club suggest they will vigorously contest the allegations.
This development comes as a significant blow to Rangers, who are preparing for crucial domestic and European fixtures. Tavernier has been an ever-present figure in Philippe Clement's side, contributing both defensively and with his remarkable goal-scoring record from right-back.
What's At Stake for Rangers and Their Captain
The potential consequences are serious for both player and club:
- Tavernier could face a suspension that would see him miss important upcoming matches
- Rangers would be without their captain and key defender during a critical period
- The club's defensive options would be severely limited without their skipper
- This adds to Rangers' growing list of disciplinary concerns this season
This story continues to develop rapidly, with the Rangers hierarchy expected to mount a strong defence of their captain. The coming days will determine whether Tavernier faces punishment for an incident that went unpunished during the match itself.
