SFA Bans Barry Ferguson And Allan McGregor For Life
Filed under: Glasgow Rangers, Scotland
After being dropped from the starting lineup by Scotland head coach George Burley over a late night drinking session at the team hotel before their World Cup Qualifier against Iceland, Glasgow Rangers Captain Barry Ferguson and keeper Allan McGregor have been banned from future selection after being photographed making the “V sign” while on the substitutes bench at Hampden Park.
Via TheGuardian
Rangers have also announced that Ferguson and McGregor have been suspended for two weeks without pay.
“Following on from the events of the past week – and specifically the last 48 hours – the Scottish FA has today confirmed that Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor will no longer be considered for international selection by Scotland,” a SFA statement said.
“The decision was taken following further discussions today between the national team manager and the Scottish FA chief executive.
“This action has been taken in the best interests of the squad, the fans and the country. Everyone is determined to qualify for the World Cup and we must ensure that nothing is allowed to distract us from this goal.”
Both Ferguson and McGregor have issued apologies and said they are ‘disappointed’ that they will no longer be able to represent their country.
“I deeply regret what happened last weekend and the events during the last week and apologise wholeheartedly for the embarrassment caused to Scotland, Rangers, both sets of supporters and my friends and family,” Ferguson said.
“I have always considered playing for Rangers and Scotland an honour and a privilege and nothing will change that and I am bitterly disappointed by the announcement that I will not be selected for Scotland again.”
McGregor added: “I was absolutely delighted to be selected for Scotland last weekend and I am deeply sorry over what has happened since then. We all make mistakes in life and I am very disappointed to have let Rangers, Scotland, my family all the fans down. I am also desperately disappointed that I will not be selected again for Scotland at this stage in my career.”
Image via Img
wait can someone scottish explain what the v sign means is it that significant?
^^yes, please, what are we missing?
nevermind, a quick wiki explains well enough. Obviously it a Euro thang…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V_sign
just like us irish, the scots can really drink and love their binges.
its the equivalent of the middle finger.
wow, really, banned for life for that? a little harsh don’t you think?
it is harsh i think a two match ban is enough, it not as if they are greedy bankers, also rangers and scotland are hypocrites both are sponsered by the brewery tennents and carling.
[…] The Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor situation has been well documented over the course of the last two weeks, but for the first time Scotland head coach George Burley has come out publicly on how the decision came to be made and why it took multiple meetings before the ultimate line was drawn in the sand. […]
[…] the famous “V Sign” caught on camera while sitting on the substitutes bench that led to the lifetime banishment that both he and teammate Allan McGregor earned themselves. And now that Ferguson has moved on with life and found a new club in the Premiership with […]