Rae loses his appeal against five-match UEFA ban

RANGERS midfielder Alex Rae last night lost his appeal against UEFA’s five-match ban. European football’s governing body rejected the appeal launched by the Glasgow giants.

Rae was hit with the huge suspension for gross unsporting conduct in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round first leg against CSKA Moscow on August 10.

Television pictures showed the midfielder kick grounded opponent Serghei Dadu in the head during the defeat in Russia.

Having examined video evidence from the match and statements from the parties involved and various witnesses, the UEFA appeals body concluded that Rae kicked CSKA’s Moldovan striker as he was lying on the ground.

The appeals body considered a five-match ban appropriate as the action could have resulted in a serious injury.

Rae will be suspended for the next five UEFA club competition matches.