McCleish vows to fight Muscat punishment

Rangers manager Alex McLeish claims Kevin Muscat has been victimised and has vowed to fight any punishment that comes his way.

The Australian discovered yesterday he will be hauled in front of the Scottish Football Association’s disciplinary committee after the review panel failed to reach a decision after viewing video evidence.

But McLeish said: “I‘m very disappointed with this because I think Kevin Muscat had been victimised before he even kicked a ball in Scotland.

“What’s even more disappointing is that it was fellow professionals who highlighted the thing on TV.

“I would challenge the committee to watch every game on video this season and they’ll find something they could call someone up about in every single game. We back Kevin 100%.”

The Ibrox full-back appeared to use an arm to strike Livingston player Juanjo Camacho across the head earlier this month.

McLeish added: “We will back Kevin in this regardless of whether we are successful or not. Rangers are looking for consistency.

“If he gets a ban then we will consider where we go next at boardroom level.

“Why is it always Old Firm players who are tried on video evidence?”

The newly-introduced review panel decided to try the Australia international using the same controversial system that Ibrox team-mate Fernando Ricksen and Celtic star Bobo Balde faced in the past.

But the video evidence proved inconclusive and the incident has now been referred to the disciplinary committee.

A statement from the SFA read: “The new SFA review panel has decided to refer an incident involving Kevin Muscat of Rangers to the disciplinary committee.

“In the September 14 match at Livingston, the player appeared to use an arm to strike Livingston player Juanjo Camacho across the head.

“A video of the incident has been viewed by three members of the panel, who agreed to refer the case for further consideration to the SFA disciplinary committee, which next meets on October 15.

“The player will be required to appear before the committee.”