Bans for Old Firm pair

Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty was today hit with a two-match ban by the Scottish Football Association for feigning injury in May's SPL victory against Aberdeen.

Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty will miss the first three games of next season after being hit with a two-match ban by the Scottish Football Association for feigning injury in May’s SPL victory against Aberdeen.

The game saw the 22-year-old collapse to the turf clutching his face as if he had been headbutted by Dons defender Charlie Mulgrew, who appeared to make no contact with the Northern Ireland international.

Lafferty, who later apologised for his behaviour, had already been fined by Rangers, while the red card Mulgrew received was rescinded.

But the SFA’s disciplinary committee wanted to examine the May 16 incident further and today used the precedent set by UEFA when they suspended Saulius Mikoliunas for diving against Scotland two years ago.

Lafferty was already suspended for Rangers’ opening SPL game of the season next Saturday after passing the SFA’s disciplinary threshold.

Celtic defender Glenn Loovens was banned for one match for his challenge on Maurice Edu during the May 9 Old Firm derby.

Loovens appeared to rake his studs down the leg of Rangers midfielder Edu.

Lafferty and Loovens both have seven days to appeal. If Loovens does so, he will be able to play on the opening weekend of the SPL season next Saturday.

Loovens’ Celtic team-mate Scott McDonald was found to have no case to answer for his tackle on Lee Wilkie during the May 12 victory over Dundee United.