SFA investigate 'swearing' ref

The Scottish Football Association have confirmed they are looking at an incident involving referee Stuart Dougal during the Scottish Premier League game between Partick and Rangers on Sunday.

The match official is alleged to have sworn at Rangers midfielder Christian Nerlinger during the Light Blues’ 1-0 win.

The incident was caught on television although the German insists he knew nothing about it.

However, SFA head of disciplinary affairs Drew Herbertson has confirmed the referees’ committee will investigate the incident.

He said: “Stuart has been invited to submit his comments.

“Regrettably, from time to time, a referee has been the subject of an allegation from a club regarding the use of foul language towards players.

“These arise fairly infrequently but attention is given to these incidents as a matter of course.

“I can’t speak of sanctions just now but the matter will be referred to the referees’ committee.”

But Nerlinger was sympathetic towards Dougal.

The Ibrox player told the Daily Record: “Players and refs get caught up in the heat of the moment during games.

“I have never heard anything like this before and I sympathise with Stuart Dougal. I don’t think anything should happen to him.”