Rangers lose Rae appeal

Rangers declared themselves “bitterly disappointed” tonight after UEFA upheld Alex Rae‘s five-match ban.

News from Switzerland confirmed that the midfielder will miss Wednesday‘s vital Champions League qualifying second leg clash with CSKA Moscow and four other European matches.

A strong team from Ibrox, including Rae himself, had flown out hoping to get the sentence reduced but the decision of the UEFA appeals body left a bitter pill to swallow.

A Rangers spokesperson said: “Rangers FC can confirm that today a delegation from the club, including Alex Rae and legal representation, attended a UEFA appeal hearing in Geneva.

“The appeal against the severity of the five-match ban has been overturned, a decision which leaves the club bitterly disappointed.

“A great deal of work had gone into preparing our challenge, including a submission on Friday, and following UEFA‘s late request for the player to attend.

“The club has no further comment on this matter and our collective focus is now on the important week ahead.”

The Glasgow giants need to overturn a 2-1 deficit against the Russian side at Ibrox on Wednesday to make it into the draw for the group stages of the Champions League.

It is a huge blow on the eve of that showdown, but it was feared that UEFA could increase the length of the ban.

That will not cheer the former Wolves midfielder though after being 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 appeared to show him kick grounded opponent Serghei Dadu in the head.

Having examined video evidence from the match and statements from the parties involved and various witnesses, the UEFA appeals body concluded that Rae was guilty.

Having taken into account all the circumstances involved, the appeals body considered a five-match ban appropriate as the action could have resulted in a serious injury.

Rangers manager Alex McLeish and the player immediately pleaded his innocence after Dutch referee Jan Wegereef had originally missed the incident but CSKA coach Valeri Gazzayev and his player both accused the Scot of kicking out.